Union pushes for higher pay and benefits as management proposes lesser terms

According to The Guardian, the Forbes Union represents about 100 writers and other editorial staffers at the media company. Both parties have proposed staffer contracts, including annual raises, promotions, overtime pay and other key components.

For example, the union has demanded contracts with a “$75,000 wage floor, 8% annual raises and a 15% minimum on promotions. It is also asking for bonus pay for working overtime and on weekends,” per the outlet. Management, however, responded with a counterproposal.

In contrast, Fox News reported that management offered a more streamlined contract with “1% in annual raises, a wage floor of $60,000, a 5% minimum raise for promotions and no overtime or additional pay for weekends.”

Forbes staff criticizes delayed negotiations and insufficient pay proposals

Several staff workers who are also union members told Fox News Digital that management has been delaying negotiations for three years now.

“CEO Mike Federle said at a recent town hall that management is eager to get a contract but that it seems like a very long way off. That’s because of his actions and that of management,” Forbes unit chair and statistics editor Andrea Murphy said. “We have been and will continue to be ready to get this contract done, including pay that recognizes the value we bring to Forbes.”

According to Murphy, the proposal management offers differs from the amount of work staff contribute to the outlet.

“Right now, Forbes is proposing a minimum salary of $60,000 for employees, people who start out at Forbes,” he said. “That is just not a fair salary for the amount of work that people are doing.”

Are there other reasons why staffers walked out?

Another staffer shared why he protested on Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter. 

“I walked off the job today with my colleagues in the @forbesunion because @Forbes is dragging its feet and breaking labor law. A contract is inevitable, Forbes. But the work disruptions, embarrassment and bad press will continue until bargaining improves,” Kyle Khan-Mullins, who covers money in politics at Forbes, tweeted.

Forbes responded to staffers’ protest in a statement to The Guardian:

“We are working diligently with the NewsGuild of NY to reach a collective bargaining agreement and have reached tentative agreements on several proposals. While we respect their right to stage a walkout, we are disappointed by the union’s decision, especially when we have a bargaining session scheduled tomorrow and a willingness to meet across the month,” the statement reads.

“In the meantime, Forbes continues to serve its audiences and publish its content across platforms,” it concludes.