Washington Post Faces Unprecedented Challenge as Staff Stage Massive Workout

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The majority of The WaPo's stories on Thursday carried the byline of the newspapers' unionized employees, who went on strike against the Jeff Bezos-owned outlet, marking the first protest of its kind since the 1970s. As the public witnessed a day without the newspaper's journalists, editors inside the offices published stories under anonymous bylines to ensure a steady flow of news to the outlets' millions of paying subscribers. The strike significantly depleted The WaPo's staff on several major desks, posing an inconvenience to management and highlighting the crucial role its journalists play each day.

The work stoppage, which ended at 12:01am ET Friday, was an effort by staff to increase pressure on management in their quest for a new contract after 18 months of negotiations. In addition to protesting the recently announced 10% workforce reduction, members of The Washington Post Guild spent the day picketing in the December cold outside the newspaper's Washington, D.C., headquarters. Demonstrators chanted slogans, sang pro-union songs, and carried signs demanding a "FAIR CONTRACT NOW." The union estimated that more than 700 staffers participated in the act of rebellion, with approximately 400 taking part in the physical demonstration, including a rally from 12 to 2pm.

In a show of solidarity, The Guild requested that readers refrain from interacting with The WaPo's content, garnering support from President Joe Biden. The White House, Biden campaign, and Democratic National Committee all avoided engaging with the outlet and promoting its content.

Despite negotiating with executives for a year and a half, The Guild has yet to reach a new contract agreement. Wages, in particular, remain a significant point of contention, with executives proposing a 2.25% pay increase, which union members argue is insufficient due to recent inflation pressures. The slow pace of negotiations has only added to members' frustration with management.

Unfortunately, The Guild members are facing a labor dispute at a time when The Washington Post is struggling financially, with the paper expected to lose $100 million this year. As a result, the management team has announced plans to reduce costs by offering voluntary buyouts. However, employees have objected to the need for cuts, citing the fact that the newspaper is owned by Bezos, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Bezos has emphasized his desire for The Washington Post to be financially stable.

During the announcement of the buyouts, interim chief executive Patty Stonesifer revealed that the company had overspent under previous boss Fred Ryan and that adjustments were necessary. Stonesifer has warned employees that if 240 people do not volunteer for the buyouts, layoffs will occur. She mentioned in a recent meeting that 175 employees have accepted the buyout offer so far, with a deadline approaching next week.

It is unclear when any necessary cuts would be made, making it hard to imagine The WaPo laying off employees just days before Christmas. However, if the outlet does not reach the 240 buyout threshold, management has made it clear that cuts will be inevitable. Would these be executed in the new year?

If so, this would mean that the newly announced publisher and chief executive, William Lewis, who is supposed to start on January 2, would be forced to oversee cuts in his first days at The WaPo. This would be a terrible start to his tenure. However, if cuts are indeed necessary and do not happen before the holiday break, he may have no choice.