John,
For nearly three years, journalists at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette fought courageously for a fair contract, for their health care, and for basic dignity on the job. They won those rights in federal court. And instead of respecting that decision, the paper’s owners chose retaliation — announcing they will shut down the Post-Gazette on May 3 after exhausting their appeals, even after being told by the U.S. Supreme Court and Donald Trump’s own solicitor general that they were wrong.
Summer Lee has stood with these workers from the beginning, and we condemn this decision in the strongest possible terms.
Shuttering the Post-Gazette doesn’t just hurt journalists and their families — it threatens the very fabric of our democracy. When communities lose trusted local reporting, we become less connected, less informed, and more vulnerable to powerful interests who benefit when people are kept in the dark. Pittsburgh deserves better.
That’s why union journalists from the Post-Gazette, along with community supporters and stakeholders, have come together to form PAPER — the Pittsburgh Alliance for People-Empowered Reporting.
PAPER is working to build a new future for local journalism in our region — one that is worker-centered, culturally responsive, and accountable to the people most often harmed by the status quo. That could mean a new cooperative or nonprofit newsroom, or a truly independent Post-Gazette that serves the public, not just wealthy owners.
As a movement rooted in dignity, democracy, and people power, we fully support PAPER’s mission — and we’re asking you to stand with these journalists and with our community today.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate to support the future of people-powered journalism
PAPER is taking on a huge task: building sustainable, independent local news that serves the public good. Your contribution helps make that possible. CLICK HERE to chip in!
Phone bank with former strikers and community supporters
There is real demand for worker-centered journalism — but people need to know what’s happening and how to get involved. Join union members and neighbors in reaching out to like-minded supporters. Sign up to phone bank by CLICKING HERE!
These journalists stood up for their coworkers, their profession, and our community. Now it’s our turn to stand with them.
In solidarity,
— Team Summer Lee
