The reporters, photographers and news assistants of The Bulletin and The Redmond Spokesman announced their successful vote to form the Central Oregon NewsGuild.

After EO Media Group declined to voluntarily recognize the Central Oregon NewsGuild in October, the overwhelming majority of employees voted in favor of union representation this month.

Among the 13 journalists who voted, 12 were in favor. That was the anticipated outcome as the now unionized journalists have repeatedly cited the skyrocketing cost of living in Central Oregon and the uncertainty of local journalism jobs as key reasons behind their organizing drive.

“It’s a calling and a privilege to be entrusted to tell people’s stories. But across the industry, there’s a perception that if journalists are willing to pursue their craft despite poor pay, there’s less incentive for companies to provide a living wage,” said Taylor Bayly, The Bulletin’s special projects reporter. “I can think of no other profession as fulfilling as journalism, but I don’t want my passion to subsidize newsroom operations any longer.”

The workers of the Central Oregon NewsGuild will join The Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild, which also represents workers at The Seattle Times. The newsroom union will be the only in EO Media’s current portfolio of newspapers and the second in Oregon.

“I supported unionization at The Bulletin because of the nature of the industry,” said Morgan Owen, The Bulletin’s general assignment reporter. “I have seen too many young reporters like myself change jobs because they cannot afford to have a career doing what they love. EO Media Group has been generous, but the industry as a whole is in need of reform.”

The members of the Central Oregon NewsGuild look forward to bargaining in good faith with EO Media Group in the near future.