Kevin Baxter: Solidarity from a Guild journalist

Congratulations to the hard-working journalists of the Southern California News Group on their decision to pursue union representation and protection. As both a native Southern Californian and a journalist whose first two jobs were with SCNG newspapers, the continued health and viability of the news group is one of profound importance to me — and your readers. That can only be achieved if the people who gather and report the news are treated fairly and professionally. Union representation will be a big step toward making that happen. Three years ago the journalists at the Los Angeles Times voted to accept union representation and it not only saved our jobs but it also revitalized the paper, changed the dynamics in the newsroom and allowed us to do the sometimes difficult work we do without having to wonder if that work was being valued and protected. The decision to pursue collective representation has brought a brighter future within reach of the journalists of the Southern California News Group as well.

Kevin Baxter is a Los Angeles Times sportswriter and member of the L.A. Times Guild. He is a former Orange County Register and San Gabriel Valley Tribune employee.