Al Jazeera America Won't Recognize Employee Union

After several weeks, the management at Al Jazeera America (AJAM) has decided not to recognize the union drive announced by its digital staffers on Sept. 3, putting into motion an election in which votes will be cast by employees and administered by the National Labor Relations Board, International Business Times has learned from a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

Elections began Tuesday. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

The NewsGuild of New York's president, Peter Szekely, provided a statement to IBT: “While we are disappointed that Al Jazeera America management did not voluntarily recognize its digital employees’ decision to join a union, we are confident that the will of the newsroom will be reflected in the NLRB election that begins today."

"We look forward to counting the votes next Tuesday, and to negotiating a contract that will help make Al Jazeera America the best news organization it can be," he added.