WHEREAS, on Oct. 27, reporters and editors at DNA info and Gothamist in New York City overwhelmingly voted in favor of joining the Writers Guild East, a labor union; and

WHEREAS, according to the Writers Guild East, threats had been made to these workers during the organizing drive; and

WHEREAS, on Nov. 2, billionaire CEO Joe Ricketts immediately ceased operations of both publications under a claim of economic viability; and

WHEREAS, this source of local news relied upon by thousands who read their print and digital publications was immediately replaced by a letter explaining Ricketts’ decision to cease operations; and

WHEREAS, this decision resulted in the immediate termination of 115 staff people across the nation; and

WHEREAS, this is yet another unapologetic attack on unionized labor; and

WHEREAS, this serves as another bold attack on the freedom of the press; be it therefore

RESOLVED, the members of the United Federation of Teachers stand in solidarity with writers and editors of DNAinfo, Gothamist and all of the members of the Writers Guild East.