Public Library of Science staff union statement
This message, which arrived in my Inbox yesterday, should be of interest to all colleagues who are concerned about the future of scientific publishing, including but not limited to those who signed the Cost of Knowledge statement over 10 years ago.
More information can be found at the PLOS Union website.
We’re reaching out to you today from PLOS, a nonprofit, Open Access publisher with journals covering all areas of science and medicine, to share some very exciting news: a supermajority of PLOS’s editorial and production staff have decided to form a union. We are wholly dedicated to our work, and committed to PLOS’s mission and the advancement of Open Access science. Unionizing will ensure that we receive the resources and support we need to maintain the standard of excellence upon which PLOS built its reputation.
After months of planning, organizing and collaboration, the time has come; on 12 May 2023, the PLOS Union formally submitted a request to have PLOS management recognize our union, which comprises the overwhelming majority of PLOS’s editorial and production employees.
We are asking for solidarity from respected members of the academic community during this stage, which is why we are reaching out to you! Having the backing of the scientific community will demonstrate to PLOS leadership the importance and significance of our organizing efforts. Here are some ways you can help our union:
- Please find links to our Twitter and Instagram pages here: Twitter, Instagram. Please use your social media platforms to reshare, comment, like and distribute the news of our campaign as widely as possible.
- Please also follow this link here to fill out a webform in support of our union. Once submitted, it will send a message directly to PLOS leadership and let them know you are in solidarity with our organizing efforts.
Please spread the word however else you may be able to on the day of the launch. Please also don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our campaign and what you can do to get involved. Your backing plays a meaningful role as PLOS' workers fight to achieve the working conditions they deserve.
In solidarity,
The PLOS Union
The "cost of knowledge" should indeed include supporting the writers and editors who create, generate, disseminate and sheppard scientific knowledge into existence. As a freelance science writer I totally support this union initiative.