NYC Council Introduces Resolution in Support of Daily News Staff Fighting Predatory Practices
Thursday, New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa introduced The "Too Tough to Die" Resolution (#1015-2025)in support of the unionized journalists at the Daily News, who are fighting for fairer wages and calling out the unscrupulous practices of the venture capital firm, Alden Global Capital.
New York’s Hometown Newspaper has been breaking news and publishing critical coverage for over 106 years. Since Alden Global Capital, a predatory hedge fund, acquired the paper in 2021, the Daily News has faced severe cuts. Its staff has been slashed, its printing plant and offices sold for $90 million, and its newsroom reduced to just 65 journalists to cover a city of 8.5 million people. The NewsGuild of New York Local 31003 CWA's members have worked without a contract, fighting for three years for:
- Fair wages and cost-of-living raises
- Job protections and benefits for part-time staff
- Security against permanent subcontracting
- Standard benefits like paid leave and retirement matching
The resolution reaffirms the Council’s support of unionization of journalists, condemns the venture capital firm’s predatory practices, and urges good faith negotiations to reach a fair contract. Supporters held a rally in Foley Square celebrating the resolution just prior to it's introduction. The NewsGuild is also collecting signatures for a petition that reiterates this message, showcasing support from everyday New Yorkers.
“The 67 NYGuild members who constitute the heart and soul of the Daily News newsroom believe deeply in the mission of their work – to hold power to account and record the history of our great city,” said Susan DeCarava, President of The NewsGuild of New York. “In contrast, Alden Global Capital, led by its managing director Heath Freeman, pays our hometown journalists so little that some qualify for low-income housing. Our members deserve better and this city deserves better.” Sign the NewsGuild's petition here!
