Secretary-Treasurer's Statement on McClatchy Layoffs

Local journalism is essential for a healthy democracy. People want reporters who know their communities, show up at city hall, ask tough questions, cover the stories that might otherwise go unnoticed, and give people the information they need to understand the decisions affecting their lives.

At a time when trust in institutions is strained and misinformation is everywhere, we need more strong, independent local reporting. These layoffs hurt the journalists losing their livelihoods, and that loss belongs to all of us. The Tacoma-Pierce County area deserves a local newspaper with the people and resources necessary to cover our community thoroughly, hold powerful institutions accountable, and keep the public informed.

The Pierce County Central Labor Council stands in solidarity with the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild members and all of the journalists affected by these cuts.

-Nathe Lawver, Secretary-Treasurer
Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO