Wall Street Journal reporters don't show up for work today

[IChing]

June 28, 2007 11:00 A.M.

A statement from Wall Street Journal reporters:

Wall Street Journal reporters across the country chose not to show up to work this morning.

We did so for two reasons.

First, The Wall Street Journal's long tradition of independence, which has been the hallmark of our news coverage for decades, is threatened today. We, along with hundreds of other Dow Jones employees represented by the Independent Association of Publishers' Employees, want to demonstrate our conviction that the Journal’s editorial integrity depends on an owner committed to journalistic independence.

Second, by our absence from newsrooms around the country, we are reminding Dow Jones management that the quality of its publications depends on a top-quality professional staff. Dow Jones currently is in contract negotiations with its primary union, seeking severe cutbacks in our health benefits and limits on our pay. It is beyond debate that the professionals who create The Wall Street Journal and other Dow Jones publications every day deserve a fair contract that rewards their achievements. At a time when Dow Jones is finding the resources to award golden parachutes to 135 top executives, it should not be seeking to eviscerate employees’ health benefits and impose salary adjustments that amount to a pay cut.

We put the reputation of The Wall Street Journal and the needs of its readers first. That's why we will be back at our desks this afternoon, producing the day's news reports. But we hope this demonstration will remind those entrusted with the future of Dow Jones that our publications' integrity must be protected, and sustained, from top to bottom.

http://poynter.org/forum/view_post.asp?id=12696


Does anyone think this is a bit ironic???????

[BlooInBloo]

1. It is if it's the editorial page they're talking about.

[AlCzervik]

2. wow!! I wonder if that includes the editorial page? the WSJ is a good paper

except for the eds. imo.

[librechik]

3. I doubt that they eds are included

they are management, not rank and file

Go Union!

[IChing]

5. "the Journal’s editorial integrity depends on an owner"--article

I have seen no integrity in their editorials for quite a while also
the golden parachute reference, cutting benefits, salary are all
indicative to national and international corporate practices.

I was surprised by and delighted that the journalist took this stand
I wonder on all the market/finacial TV channels if this will be reported since
the WSJ is one of the major player.

[AlCzervik]

6. i bet it will be on cnbc, they stand to lose a lot if Murdoch acquires and then ruins the WSJ

imo he wants the paper almost soley for the new Faux business channel thats being launched.

[glowing]

4. Hmm....outsourcing the news now?

[DeepModem Mom]

7. K&R

[Benhurst]

8. I hope they all get fired. I've been so worried about Katie Couric.

This could work out well for her, especially since she'll need to make a career move soon. I'm sure Rupert Murdoch would love to have her. And she's the best female reporter since Brenda Starr. (I know, I know. Brenda Starr was a cartoon. But then so is Katie.)