Mission Statement

We are proud to work at VTDigger, a leader in local online, nonprofit news. And our role has never been more critical, as Vermonters turn to us for essential information in this time of crisis.

The coronavirus epidemic has highlighted the importance of our mission, but it has also heightened the fragility of our industry. Now more than ever, our newsroom staff needs a seat at the table to ensure rank-and-file editorial employees have a voice in the difficult decisions ahead.

That’s why we are forming a union with the NewsGuild, part of the Communication Workers of America, an organization that represents journalists across the U.S. and Canada in newsrooms big and small.

VTDigger employees need to be part of the conversation about how this vital organization will pull through the pandemic. And we are committed to strengthening the newsroom now and for the future.

Our top priority is the same as management’s: to cement VTDigger as a sustainable model for local, high-impact watchdog journalism and policy reporting. Professional news gathering does not happen in a vacuum. It is produced by members of the community we serve, who need stability and agency to maintain themselves, particularly during moments of crisis like the one we are covering and living through.

That’s why we believe that giving employees a voice will not only make for a better workplace. It will make for ever higher-quality journalism for our readers.

We are asking VTDigger’s executive director and board of trustees to voluntarily recognize VTDigger NewsGuild, local 31167, so we can work collaboratively, as quickly as possible, toward our common goal.