Skagit Journalists Strike Over Wages, AI Concerns

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  Reporters at the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacocortes American and Stanwood-Camano News began a strike on July 24, 2026“Unionized staff at the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American and Stanwood-Camano News went on strike on Friday, July 24, after months of negotiating a new collective agreement with Adams, which owns newspapers in 20 states across the country.”
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  The strike lasted until July 29, 2026“Unionized staff at the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American and Stanwood-Camano News went on strike on Friday, July 24, after months of negotiating a new collective agreement with Adams, which owns newspapers in 20 states across the country.  They hoped to reach a deal with Adams on Monday, July 27, but failed to do so and continued the strike until Wednesday morning, July 29.”
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  Staff sought a minimum wage of $20 per hour“The reporters are asking for a minimum wage of $20 per hour, with annual raises.”
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  Staff sought protections against artificial intelligence use in newsrooms“Reporters at Adams MultiMedia-owned newspapers in Skagit and Snohomish counties are asking for higher wages and protections against artificial intelligence.”
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  The journalists earn between $19.10 and $22.29 per hour“Reporters at the newspapers make between $19.10 and $22.29 per hour, according to a news release — including reporters who have been there for 20 years.”
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  The journalists earn below Skagit County's living wage of $23.87 per hour for one adult without children“Reporters at the newspapers make between $19.10 and $22.29 per hour, according to a news release — including reporters who have been there for 20 years. Skagit County's living wage for one adult with no children is $23.87 per hour, according to the MIT Living Wage calculator.”
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  Libby Williams is the sole reporter at Stanwood-Camano News“Libby Williams, the sole reporter at the Stanwood-Camano News, said she also works at a coffee stand on the weekends and freelances for other publications to pay rent.”
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  Libby Williams works weekend shiftsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Libby Williams freelances to cover expenses“Libby Williams, the sole reporter at the Stanwood-Camano News, said she also works at a coffee stand on the weekends and freelances for other publications to pay rent.”
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  Adams has not publicly disclosed its counteroffer to the union's request for annual raisesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild represents the striking staff“The reporters are part of the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild.”
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  A resolution is pending as the strike ended July 29No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  There is no immediate announcement of a new bargaining sessionNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.