Journalists at two Wisconsin newspapers owned by Davenport-based Lee Enterprises are demanding fair pay as they negotiate a contract with the publisher.
The Kenosha-Racine News Guild Local 34159, which represents journalists at Lee’s Kenosha News and Racine Journal Times, announced that its fight for “a living wage” has received the support of state legislators and members of its communities.
In a news release Monday, June 15, the News Guild/Communications Workers of America (TNG-CWA) said it presented Lee Enterprises management with a petition of more than 260 signatures urging them “to reach a contract with us that includes fair pay and protection against artificial intelligence overreach.”
The News Guild indicated that its members make less money than what it takes to afford basic needs, citing a living wage index by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“When journalists are forced to choose between heat and rent, something has gone seriously wrong,” Wisconsin State Rep. Angelina Cruz said in the guild’s release. “No company should expect its workforce to absorb this kind of hardship while it continues to profit from their labor.”
The union statement also said several journalists have been forced to take on second jobs, turn off their heat and make other budget cuts to make ends meet.
Lee Enterprises did not respond to the QCBJ’s request for a comment, and has not publicly released a statement. Lee also owns the Quad City Times, Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus and the Muscatine Journal.
In addition to Ms. Cruz, the union enlisted the help of Southeast Wisconsin legislators including state Sen. Robert Wirch, state Reps. Ben DeSmidt and Tip McGuire, and community leaders.
‘Fair pay and job protections’
In a joint statement, the legislators – all Democrats – said 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 people who produce that coverage every day help residents stay informed about local government, schools, businesses, public safety and community events,” they said in the release. “We encourage Lee Enterprises to work with employees in good faith and reach an agreement that recognizes the value these journalists provide to our communities.”
The contract talks come after Lee has reduced more than 40% of the union staff through cuts and attrition in the past two years, according to the guild.
Kenosha AFL-CIO Council President Richard Gallo said “These employees want the same thing that all employees want: dignity on the job, fair pay and benefits, respect and recognition for their labor.” He urged Lee to bargain in good faith and support journalists “who want fair pay and job protections to keep providing quality coverage to their readers.”
Founded in 1890 by Alfred Wilson Lee, the media company now is the nation’s fourth-largest newspaper group, serving 72 markets in 25 states with daily and weekly newspapers as well as digital platforms.
New leadership
In December 2025, billionaire investor David Hoffman acquired a majority stake in Lee, along with participation from other existing investors. Mr. Hoffmann also assumed the role of chairman of the Lee Enterprises Board of Directors.
Then in April, Lee named Nathan Bekke as the company’s new president and CEO, succeeding Kevin Mowbray. Mr. Bekke joined Lee in 1988, most recently serving as interim CEO since February and as its chief operating officer since June 2025.
In addition to Wisconsin properties and the Quad Cities area publications, Lee’s markets include: St. Louis, Missouri, Buffalo, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; Richmond, Virginia; and Tucson, Arizona. It is traded on the NASDAQ under LEE.
