I would like to express my strong support for Peter Szekely for President and Anthony Napoli for Secretary-Treasurer of NewsGuild Local 31003. Under Peter’s leadership, the local has been transformed into a bold organization tackling the major challenges facing journalism and journalists. As the outgoing unit chair at The Nation Magazine, I have had the opportunity to observe Peter’s impressive dedication to mobilizing the existing membership, supporting new organizing efforts and growing the Local in both strength and size. Peter’s focus on organizing is vital to the ongoing health of the Local and to raising working standards across the news industry as a whole.

Our shop has also benefited from Peter’s help negotiating our contract, resolving members’ issues and bringing a perspective of nine years in union leadership to any workplace situations we face. We feel comfortable raising any issues or problems to Peter and appreciate his advice. Peter and his team have also provided many opportunities for local members to meet each other, socialize and network, and share resources.

I feel strongly that the local needs Peter’s leadership in order to continue in this positive direction.