What is the Bloomberg Industry Group Guild?

The Guild is the collective voice of the 400 non-managerial employees at Bloomberg Industry Group. Members of the union bargain a contract with management every three years that covers wages, benefits and work conditions at the company. They also represent colleagues in grievance and disciplinary matters.

Why do we have a union at INDG?

The INDG Guild has existed since 1938 when members were part of the Bureau of National Affairs. In the latest round of collective bargaining, Guild members secured pay increases, expanded maternity leave, and accelerated annual leave. 

The company has undergone significant changes in recent years, most notably the acquisition of Bureau of National Affairs by Bloomberg and the subsequent rebranding to INDG. It is even more essential that employees have a voice in shaping their work conditions during an era of rapid change for its news and information gathering businesses.

What is the Washington-Baltimore News Guild?

WBNG is the parent union of the INDG Guild. It includes more than 2,000 members at nearly 70 units — including members at the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun and Center for Public Integrity — and even workers bargaining their first contracts.

What does being part of a union mean for me?

Having a union means more than winning the benefits in a contract. It means workers are protected from arbitrary discipline and termination. They also have power to collectively address issues in the workplace like pay equity and diversity. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Guild was a voice for workers on office safety and remote work.

How much are dues?

The dues rate for all Washington-Baltimore News Guild unions is 1.44% after tax, which is set by the local’s executive council. They are deducted from your paycheck each pay period after you sign up. You can download a membership card and dues checkoff form and email to the Bloomberg Guild account. 

Unlike most WBNG unions, Bloomberg INDG is an “open shop,” meaning unit members must opt-in to paying dues. That dues money allows WBNG to pay for the union staff who provide support and expertise to union members.

Do I get anything for signing up to pay dues?

All workers represented by the INDG Guild receive the same benefits and protections in the contract regardless of whether they have opted into paying dues. But paying dues is an important way to show solidarity and support your union, which relies on members’ support to fund its operations. Your involvement and time, however, are the most critical ingredients to the Guild’s success. The union has the most power when it brings workers together to address common workplace issues as a collective.

How can I get involved in the union?

We are always looking for new members to become leaders and active participants in the union. Guild members serve as stewards to help enforce the contract agreement, educate colleagues about their rights, and organize events. You can email the Guild at GuildatBBNA@gmail.com to learn more.

Can I get in trouble for joining or participating in the Guild?

According to the National Labor Relations Board, workers “have the right to form, join or assist a union. You have the right to organize a union to negotiate with your employer over your terms and conditions of employment.”

You’re entitled to collectively address workplace issues under federal law. Managers cannot retaliate against union members or monitor their activities involving the Guild. We encourage members to get in touch with a union representative if they want to learn more about their rights to organize in the workplace.