I was pleased to hear that the hard-working staff of the Gazette have chosen to unionize. Increased transparency among the workers, and between the workers and the management of Newspapers of New England, can only be a benefit to both the company and the fine journalists, advertising professionals, print workers and other employees who make the Gazette the excellent publication it is.
As a former editor with the paper, I hope the company will see this for the opportunity that it is. A union shop, full of workers devoted to the cause of journalism, will attract dedicated, talented employees and help take the Gazette to new heights of journalistic excellence, and I look forward to seeing it happen. I urge the company to recognize the Pioneer Valley NewsGuild, and to move forward with the business of being the best local newspaper in New England — together.
Steve Musal
Santa Cruz, California