June 15, 2026 7:30p
(WGTD)---Union writers at the Lee Enterprise-owned Kenosha News and Racine Journal Times have enlisted the help of the area's Democratic legislative delegation and other community leaders in their fight to secure a living wage.
Members of the Kenosha-Racine News Guild are in contract talks with the Iowa-based company.
Citing a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study, the journalists say they make less money than what it takes to afford basic needs in southeast Wisconsin.
The legislators said in a statement that the daily newspapers have long been important sources of information for the community, and that a strong local newspaper depends on experienced journalists working under a fair contract.
The news release said a petition with more than 260 signatures urging Lee to offer fair pay and protections against artificial intelligence "overreach" was presented to the company.
Others expressing support for the union in the release were Kenosha AFL-CIO Council President Richard Gallo, Racine County Board Supervisor Jody Spencer and congressional candidates Lorenzo Santos and Mitchell Berman.
The company has not responded to requests for comment.
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