Walkouts and No-Confidence Votes Spreading Like Wildfire Across New Jersey as Bergen Record Journalists Vote to Strike

New Jersey is witnessing an unprecedented wave of resistance as workers, journalists, and public servants take bold stands against mismanagement, corruption, and unfair labor practices. At the forefront of this movement, journalists at The Bergen Record have voted overwhelmingly—by a staggering 95% margin—to walk out in protest of Gannett’s refusal to negotiate a fair contract, echoing a growing demand for accountability across the state.

Bergen Record Journalists Say “Enough” to Gannett’s Union-Busting

In a dramatic escalation of their nearly four-year-long fight for fair wages and workplace protections, journalists at The Bergen Record cast their votes in overwhelming support of a walkout. The vote comes amid accusations that Gannett, the nation’s largest newspaper publisher, has engaged in bad faith negotiations, offered poverty-level wages, and outsourced local journalism to AI and subcontractors.

“Gannett continues to bargain in bad faith and insult us at the bargaining table,” said reporter Kaitlyn Kanzler, chair of the Record Guild. “Our members’ walkout vote shows we won’t let Gannett bully us into submission. We’re willing to do what it takes to get a contract done. There is no journalism without us, the dedicated journalists who live in and report on North Jersey’s local communities.”

The threat of a walkout looms large as more than 92% of union members participated in the vote, sending a clear message to Gannett that its mistreatment of journalists will no longer be tolerated. Since unionization efforts began, nearly half (45%) of the employees who originally supported the movement have already left, many citing frustration with the company’s anti-union tactics.

Union leaders accuse Gannett of making unilateral workplace changes, transferring work away from employees, retaliating against journalists for their union involvement, and prioritizing corporate profits over local journalism.

“Our members’ ability to earn a living wage has a direct impact on local news,” stated Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of NY. “Readers deserve better, and so do our members. Gannett management knows this and still refuses to prioritize local news over unsustainable company profits. What happens next is up to Gannett.”

The Bergen Record is just the latest battleground in a statewide uprising against corruption, poor leadership, and corporate greed.

New Jersey Sees a Wave of Walkouts and No-Confidence Votes

The Bergen Record journalists’ walkout vote is not an isolated event—it is part of a larger movement sweeping through New Jersey as employees and public servants across multiple sectors rise up against abusive leadership, workplace exploitation, and political corruption.

Union City Police Consider No-Confidence Vote in Chief Anthony Facchini

In Union City, police officers are reportedly considering a vote of no confidence in Police Chief Anthony Facchini, raising concerns about his leadership. Facchini, appointed in September 2022, has recently come under scrutiny after a Union City police sergeant was suspended and charged with filing a false police report. Many within the department question whether the leadership is fit to serve.

Essex County Jail Leadership Hit with No-Confidence Vote

In August 2024, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 106, representing supervisors and internal affairs investigators at the Essex County Department of Corrections, overwhelmingly approved a vote of no confidence in:

• Director Ronald Charles

• County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo

• Chief of Staff Philip Alagia

The union cited chronic mismanagement, which led to staffing shortages, forcing inmates into extended confinement and escalating tensions and violence within the jail. Union Vice President Jim Troisi condemned the unsafe conditions, stating that the county’s leaders ignored officers’ repeated warnings about deteriorating security.

Montclair Firefighters Take a Stand Against Their Chief

In July 2023, firefighters in Montclair voted no confidence in Fire Chief John Herrmann, signaling dissatisfaction with his leadership. While the exact grievances were not fully detailed, the move underscored growing tensions within the fire department.

Rutgers-Camden Faculty Revolt Against University Leadership

At Rutgers University-Camden, faculty members took action in December 2021, voting no confidence in Chancellor Antonio Tillis and Provost Daniel Hart. The vote reflected deep frustrations with the administration, as faculty accused them of failing to support both educators and students.

Political Corruption in Hudson County Reaches Boiling Point

Hudson County is at the epicenter of a growing movement to hold public officials accountable, with investigations into rampant corruption among some of the most powerful political figures in the state.

• New Jersey State Senator & Union City Mayor Brian Stack has faced repeated allegations of voter intimidation, sexual assault cover-ups, and retaliation against political opponents.

• Hudson County Commissioner Craig Guy has been the subject of numerous corruption accusations tied to backroom deals and cronyism.

• Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis has come under scrutiny for alleged political favoritism and misuse of city resources.

These corrupt officials represent a long-standing culture of political abuse in Hudson County—one that many residents are no longer willing to tolerate.

Hudson County Truth: The Go-To Source for Investigative Reporting

With mainstream outlets often reluctant to expose corruption, Hudson County Truth is stepping up to be the leading source of investigative journalism in New Jersey.

Hudson County Truth is dedicated to:

• Uncovering political corruption in every corner of New Jersey.

• Holding powerful officials accountable for their actions.

• Providing in-depth coverage of ongoing investigations into figures like Brian Stack, Craig Guy, and Jimmy Davis.

With walkouts, no-confidence votes, and public outcry spreading like wildfire, the people of New Jersey are taking a stand. Hudson County Truth will be there every step of the way, exposing the truth and amplifying the voices of those fighting for justice.

The Fight for Accountability is Just Beginning

As more workers, public servants, and citizens demand fairness, transparency, and ethical leadership, the tide is turning against those who have long abused their power.

The journalists at The Bergen Record have made their voices heard. So have police officers, firefighters, faculty members, and countless others across New Jersey.

The question now is: Who will be next to take a stand?

Stay informed. Spread the word. Follow Hudson County Truth. The fight for justice is just beginning.