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Writers Secure 2-3% Raises in New Hearst Deal
23 Feb
Summary
- Union members secured 2-3% raises and higher salary minimums.
- A second three-year contract was ratified with 98% approval.
- Employees walked out earlier this month before reaching an agreement.
Members of the Writers Guild of America East at Hearst Magazines have successfully ratified their second three-year collective bargaining agreement. The new contract was approved with overwhelming support, achieving a 98% ratification rate among the 410-member unit.
Key provisions include annual raises of 2-3%, with these increases applied retroactively to January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the lowest salary tier will see an 11.8% increase, bringing the minimum to $62,400 across all Hearst Magazines locations.
This agreement comes after a recent half-day walkout that occurred when negotiations for a new contract failed to reach a resolution. Employees had continued bargaining past the original contract's expiration on January 31.
A tentative agreement was reached on February 13, marking a positive outcome for the union. Union representatives highlighted improved raises, higher wage floors, and enhanced 401k matches as significant gains.
Despite the ratified contract, the union acknowledges that further negotiations are necessary to address critical issues such as robust AI protections, flexible remote work options, and wages that better reflect Hearst's substantial profits. The union stated that this ratification is a starting point for future negotiations.
