Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at Gizmodo have successfully ratified a new union contract. The agreement, reached with management, was unanimously approved by the 14-member bargaining unit comprising editorial staff. This marks the first contract under the ownership of Swiss company Keleops Media, which acquired Gizmodo in 2024.
The three-year contract includes several key provisions. Workers will receive guaranteed annual raises of 3% and an increased 401(k) employer match of 4%, up from the previous 3%. Other notable aspects include protections related to artificial intelligence, ensuring bargaining over any potential replacement of work by AI. Transgender health and safety measures are preserved, including compliance with WPATH standards and the right to use preferred names and pronouns at work.
Additional benefits outlined in the contract are a minimum of 12 weeks severance, work-from-home protections for hybrid employees, continued coverage of up to 10% of healthcare premium cost increases, and reimbursements for cellphone and wellness expenses. The contract also maintains successorship language to protect union interests in case of a sale.
The Gizmodo bargaining unit expressed their satisfaction with the new agreement: “The Gizmodo USA Union is excited to have a new contract with Keleops. We are looking forward to continuing to cover the tech industry with integrity. We’re excited to collaborate with management and grow in ways we were stifled before.”
Gizmodo is part of WGA East’s Online Media Sector, which includes other media outlets such as Bustle Digital Group, Civic News Group, CNET, Fast Company, HuffPost, VICE, and Vox Media.
The Writers Guild of America East represents over 7,500 members across various media sectors. It negotiates contracts that safeguard creative and economic rights while engaging in programs and advocacy for writers.
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