Roxana Kopetman: Why we need a union

We love to tell the stories of our communities. It’s a passion that has kept us going in newsrooms across Southern California. But here’s something you may not know: Most journalists at the Orange County Register and its sister publications have gone more than a decade without a pay raise or cost of living increase. Meanwhile, we are asked to work holidays like Christmas without getting paid overtime, our health benefit choices were drastically cut without our input, and we are constantly being asked to do more with fewer and fewer people. It’s simply not reasonable. And we’re not asking for the moon, just fair compensation and benefits. By forming a union, we are fighting for ourselves and the future of our newspapers. A little more investment in our newsrooms from far-away hedge fund owners will ultimately help us achieve our main mission: to serve our communities.

Roxana Kopetman is a reporter for the Orange County Register/SCNG.