Newsweek's New Owner Accused of 'Illegally Muzzling' Employees

IBT Media bought digital weekly in August

IBT Media’s purchase of Newsweek seems to be off to an inauspicious start. The Newspaper Guild has accused the digital publishing company of “illegally muzzling” its employees by “prohibiting its journalists and other employees from discussing their working conditions or criticizing their employer,” in violation of U.S. labor law. The guild, which represents editorial employees at Newsweek and its former online counterpart The Daily Beast, said it filed an unfair labor practice charge Sept. 18. 

Peter Szekely, secretary-treasurer of the guild, said the charge stemmed from offers IBT extended to four Newsweek employees in which the company spelled out its policy stating that employees couldn't discuss their pay with coworkers or criticize the company.

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