Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NewsGuild of New York Journalists at Sports Illustrated Win New Contract, Guaranteed Pay Increases

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Journalists at Sports Illustrated (SI)—who are members of The NewsGuild of New York, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 31003—won a new three-year contract that raises salaries, saves on health care costs, protects remote work as well as workers regarding artificial intelligence (AI).

The SI Union represents 64 journalists at the sports media organization. The deal wraps up nearly a year and a half of bargaining with publisher Minute Media. Highlights of the new contract include a new $70,000 salary floor; an average raise of 5.22% upon ratification, with 3% guaranteed increases over the next two years; preservation of just-cause protections; AI guardrails and more.

“This contract upholds the principles and protections we fought so hard for four years ago,” said Dan Falkenheim, a fact checker and the SI Union’s unit chair. “After our members have experienced more than their fair share of instability because of ownership changes beyond our control, we are thrilled to have a contract that values our work and provides a strong foundation for Sports Illustrated’s future at Minute Media.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/15/2026 - 10:07

Paid Family Leave Is Long Overdue: In the States Roundup

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations.

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Scabby the Rat made an appearance at Monday's solidarity action outside Marathon Refinery in Concord with United Steelworkers Local 5, who are demanding safer working conditions. 

Join us here for solidarity actions every Monday until the strike is settled! Picket line is set up… pic.twitter.com/kRkGroR9td

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 12, 2026

Colorado AFL-CIO:

From online shopping to apartment applications to health care, AI systems play a role in decisions that shape our lives. 

We need transparency from Big Tech on how these systems work, and real accountability when those systems are used to discriminate or harm people. #coleg #1u pic.twitter.com/bHRjzj1EPS

— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) May 5, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to SPACE workers in Portland on forming their union with @UAW2110! https://t.co/QfRBO3jz6U

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 5, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Today is about appreciating the care, sacrifices and support mothers provide their families every day. 

We thank you and we’ll keep fighting for all working mothers so they have paid leave, equitable care and good union jobs.

Happy Mother’s Day! pic.twitter.com/XDbmZ57qsO

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 10, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Sign our petition to keep our bosses out of the damn bathroom: https://t.co/iKk9Wc4dkh pic.twitter.com/mYJbZndpgI

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 14, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

More than 9 out of 10 workers expressed support for policies on AI that labor unions may fight for, including 95% supporting a requirement that a human be the final decision maker on issues affecting individual workers & their employment. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/Ckcw5vX4IL

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 12, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Without accountability, telecom corporations will not prioritize community interests. That’s why the CWA is leading the charge to ensure reliable service for all and protect good, union jobs.

Sign this petition to call on the FCC to update its oversight: https://t.co/lYGtxPTjQp

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 11, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to the @culinaryacademylv on their new expansion! 

Over 65,000 students have graduated from CAL - cheers to the many more that will have the opportunity to advance their careers with this new expansion. pic.twitter.com/mar1vofpgc

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 13, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

NYS AFL-CIO announces endorsement of Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and endorsements in Congressional, State Senate, and Assembly races with primary elections: https://t.co/e7Trimh8UY

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 12, 2026

Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

International workers’ day is more than a single day, and we’re calling on you to join us in committing to fight EVERY DAY for our rights. Showing up for international solidarity goes beyond rallies and festivals — it’s a lifelong commitment.

Sign on to PCUN’s Day Without An… pic.twitter.com/GNarQplugf

— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 13, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Paid family leave for ALL workers is long overdue. @SEIUPA nurses are leading the charge — and we stand with them. ✊https://t.co/1DhyFuh7JI

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 13, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

Our pro-worker endorsements in state races for the primary runoff: pic.twitter.com/Ury92EzlJF

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 9, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Congrats to all the paratransit workers now with @teamsters117! Solidarity! https://t.co/jUUBvVsHVr

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 8, 2026

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Thank you, Letter Carriers! https://t.co/uozyLmRNrx

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 11, 2026

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/14/2026 - 13:09