Dear Colleagues, Inthe past few week, we've talked to mos of you about our hopes forthe Chicago Tebune and its community publications. ‘Those conversations have convinced ws: It’s time to frm union, Wee hoping youl jin us Avwide range of the newsroom i eprescnted in thisffort Our organizing committe chides veterans and newcomers, mong them many prize-winners all dedicated to providing ou readers with thefst-rate coverage of local, state and re- ‘ional news they expect But series of corporate owners — Trone being only the mos recent — has jeopardized our ability todo great work. Regulac rises, cost-of ving adjustments and job security are non-existent. The coe of our heslthcae benefits has significantly increased. Our maternity and paternity policy is nadequate, Development opportunities — the kin that allow us to achieve professional goals and to enrich our news coverage — are rare We have lost many talented colleagues to higher-paying jobs that offer hetter protections and more posites for sdvancement And although we ive in racially nd ethically diverse city and state, diversity is not well reflected in the newsroom. A more diverse staff wl help guide coverage that ally reflect the lves ofthe many types of communities in and around Chicago. We can do beter. (Oar primary goal informing «union isto give us, the Tribune journalists, a voice in sting the couse forthe publications ‘we hold dea This includes the Aurora Beacon News, Daly Southtown, Naperville Sun, gia Courier News, RedFye and Hey In the coming days, we'll ak you fo join this fort by submiting signature cards signaling your suppor for representation bythe NewsGuild- Communication Workers of Americ. The uid represents thousands of journalists and media workers at respected papers such a the New York Times, Washinglon Post, Wall Sire! Journal, almore Sun and — as ofthis year — the Los Angeles Times. ‘This would be the frst union fr editorial employees inthe Tribune 170-year history and we know you may have ques tions We did too. Please fe fre to approach any of us. We would lve to ako you. \Webelievethe union isan investment —in our work in ourslvs, in our seaders in our city and sate For the Chicago Tune. For Chicago ‘Ateon Boren Rex poke oer Stn hed anys Brrr Potran cones Somaon Tatra Rodrig ‘ey bncee ‘taro ay Seton Tota Ba Homan sone hora Sate Carper Angin orgs Jeqiira Sarat ‘Cousncn ac Hed Sere tuagan crepenu “oantioe! ‘oo oe ite creroa Page ceorBanpe ‘Aveo tm negary ‘Seay Pat Ay Wnawat Joep Hara: a Rene Ere zom