AI Will Not Scab Us: Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh Denounces Post-Gazette’s Use of Artificial Intelligence, Files Grievance

Background

In a bold move that has ignited a firestorm of controversy, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PG) recently employed artificial intelligence (AI) to generate an illustration for its print edition, prompting an immediate and resolute response from the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. The union, representing newsroom employees, has filed a formal grievance and demanded an explanation from executive editor Stan Wischnowski, expressing grave concerns about the implications of this technological incursion on the livelihoods of journalists.

Statement from Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh President

Zack Tanner, president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, minced no words in condemning the Post-Gazette’s attempt to replace human labor with AI. He emphasized that the use of AI to automate tasks traditionally performed by union members poses a dire threat to the economic well-being of journalists not only in Pittsburgh but throughout the country. Tanner reiterated the union’s unwavering opposition to any use of AI that undermines the work and rights of its members.

Context of Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strikes

The Post-Gazette’s ill-conceived foray into AI-generated content coincides with ongoing unfair labor practice (ULP) strikes against the company that have persisted for an arduous 16 months. Production, distribution, and advertising workers were compelled to initiate a ULP strike on October 6, 2022, due to the abrupt loss of their health care plan resulting from the PG’s inexplicable failure to pay a mere $19 per week per worker. Newsroom workers, in a show of solidarity, followed suit on October 18, 2022, in response to years of bad-faith bargaining by the PG and its unilateral changes to the collective bargaining agreement.

Hiring of Strikebreaking Replacement Workers

Since the commencement of the strike, the PG has exhibited a flagrant disregard for workers’ rights by hiring at least 26 replacement workers, also known as scabs, to fill positions in the newsroom. This latest move to utilize AI to generate content that falls squarely within union jurisdiction is perceived as yet another blatant attempt to undermine the striking workers and their cause.

Unfair Labor Practice Ruling

In a resounding victory for newsroom workers, an administrative law judge from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a ruling on January 26, 2023, overwhelmingly in their favor. The judge unequivocally ordered the company to rescind the unilateral working conditions it had imposed in 2020 and restore the union’s previous contract, which expired in 2017. The company was also directed to return to the bargaining table in good faith to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.

Company’s Response

Unsurprisingly, company attorneys expressed vehement disagreement with the decision and promptly announced their intention to appeal the ruling as far as legally possible. The case currently awaits a decision from the five-person NLRB.

Upcoming Union Meeting

As the anniversary of the administrative law judge’s ruling approaches, striking workers, fueled by determination and unwavering resolve, plan to join forces with other union allies in a show of solidarity. They will convene on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Union Hall to discuss the formidable obstacles to success in U.S. labor law and its implementation. They will also strategize on how to achieve a resounding victory in the PG strike. Supporters of the strike are strongly encouraged to attend this gathering and lend their voices to the cause.

Union’s Determination

Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh president Zack Tanner emphasized that the fight for a fair contract and a newspaper created by union labor, not AI or strikebreaking workers, is far from over. He declared that striking workers will remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, unwavering in their commitment to journalistic integrity. Tanner firmly stated that John and Allan Block, Stan Wischnowski, Tracey DeAngelo, and other PG management should not underestimate the union’s unwavering resolve to prevail in this struggle.

Call to Action

The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh implores the community to stand in solidarity with striking workers in their fight against the Post-Gazette’s blatant disregard for workers’ rights and its misguided attempt to replace human journalists with AI. Join the picket lines, lend your voice to the cause, and demand that the PG return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract with its employees. Together, we can ensure that AI does not scab us and that the Post-Gazette remains a beacon of journalistic integrity, created by and for the people of Pittsburgh.