Lawsuit Claims Unequal Pay Based on Race and Sex
Seven Chicago Tribune journalists have filed a lawsuit against the newspaper, its parent company, Tribune Publishing Co., and Alden Global Capital, the current owner, alleging racial and sexual discrimination in pay practices.
Seeking Class-Action Status and Back Pay
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court, seeks class-action status, a jury trial, and a permanent injunction against unequal pay. It also demands back pay for all affected employees, ensuring they are compensated equally to white male counterparts in similar roles.
Allegations of Systemic Underpayment
The lawsuit claims the Tribune employs talented journalists but undervalues women and Black employees across the news organization. The complaint alleges these employees are “underpaid by several thousands of dollars a year” compared to their white male colleagues.
Diversity Recruitment Programs Questioned
The lawsuit further accuses the Tribune of using diversity recruitment programs as a cost-cutting measure. It alleges the company hires talented women and minorities into temporary, year-long positions at lower salaries than their white male counterparts performing the same duties.
Strike Action Highlighted
This lawsuit comes after a 24-hour strike in February 2024. During the strike, 76 Tribune reporters, photographers, and editors joined colleagues from six other newsrooms nationwide to protest what they called unfair pay practices and slow progress in contract negotiations.
