Since 1970, High Country News has produced independent journalism for and by as well as about communities in the West, first as a newspaper covering public lands and now as a magazine with an expanded focus on Indigenous affairs, climate change and environmental and justice issues. In recent years, HCN has made noticeable strides toward better supporting its own employees, many of whom are longtime residents of the region.

However, much remains to be done to make HCN a more just, anti-racist, diverse and sustainable workplace for everyone, and staff deserves a stronger voice in its continued evolution. We believe that a union is the best way to achieve that, and so it is with pride that we — local and dispersed members of the editorial, development, marketing and communications, art and customer service departments — have all united to organize with the Denver Newspaper Guild/CWA Local 37074 and form the High Country News Union.

We join our colleagues at prestigious publications, including Grist and ProPublica in unionizing as part of an industry-wide reckoning with the toll that journalism takes on employees, the high workloads employees are expected to shoulder, and the distance the industry still needs to go to support and serve communities of color. 

We are calling on High Country News to provide salary and hourly wages commensurate with the national industry; affordable health coverage for dependents; just cause employment; sustainable work loads; stronger family leave policies; and mental health support, as well as pathways for internal career development; and production expectations that reflect our budgets. We recognize and are proud of the work that HCN is doing to serve Indigenous communities and diversify its staff. We also believe the organization needs to improve its support for employees, especially for BIPOC employees, who experience high rates of turnover.

HCN has always prioritized community-based journalism, and as members of that community, we — the High Country News Union — deserve and expect a voice in our workplace. We want to see our dedication reflected in the organization’s power structure. We look forward to a growing and sustainable High Country News, united by the support and strength that voluntary recognition, a strong first contract, and a thriving union will bring.

Yours in solidarity,
Anna V. Smith
B. ‘Toastie’ Oaster
Roberto (Bear) Guerra
Bradon Schwarz
Brooke Larsen
Diane Sylvain
Erin X. Wong
Luna Anna Archey
McKenna Stayner
Melissa Chadburn
Michael Leveton
Michael Schrantz
Natalia Mesa