LOCAL
Photojournalists want their own story heard
Fighting back against company proposals slashing benefits and offering low pay, KIRO-7 photojournalists are calling for community support
SEATTLE, WA (September 25, 2025) — IATSE Local 600-represented photojournalists bringing the news to community members on KIRO-7 are in ongoing contract negotiations, sounding the alarm on employer proposals that undervalue their work and would undercut their ability to provide timely, local news to the Seattle-area.
At the bargaining table, KIRO-7 photojournalists are fighting to secure basic protections for themselves and their families. But the unions reports that the company has proposed staff cuts, benefit takeaways, and raises that won’t keep up with Seattle inflation rates.
Members of the KIRO-7 photojournalist team. Photo: IATSE 600
KIRO-7 Photojournalists provide an essential service, documenting breaking news for the Seattle-area community. It can be a dangerous or uncomfortable job — they’re often sent to chaotic scenes to document news as it happens. And since their last contract was ratified, that job has become more complex, reports the union. Still, photojournalists have stepped up to meet that need. The company’s current proposal undervalues their work, seeking to cut staff and deny workers a fair wage, per the union.
IATSE Local 600 notes that the owner of KIRO-7, Cox Media Group (CMG), posted an increase in their revenues of over 23% in 2024 for a total revenue of $818 million that year. CMG is a massive company, valued at around $4 billion by some estimates. All that wealth, and yet the company is trying to cut highly skilled union photojournalist jobs.
As the workers continue to negotiate, they’re asking labor supporters and community members to support their petition, showing KIRO that the region stands with the workers and urges the company to settle a fair contract that keeps jobs, preserves benefits, and guarantees a fair wage.
TAKE A STAND: sign the workers petition to KIRO management and Cox Media Group today.
CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.
FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
