The staff are represented by the Chicago News Guild, Local 34071, an affiliate of The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America.
The magazine says the agreement prohibits the use of generative AI to write its articles or create its art. Other listed provisions include worker ownership of copyright in their writing and art, three weeks of paid time off, unlimited sick days, 10 weeks of fully paid parental leave, just-cause protections, a cost-of-living wage adjustment, and a worker representative on the board.
Editor-in-Chief Nathan J. Robinson called the policy one of the industry's strictest anti-AI policies, while saying workers may still use new technologies when helpful. The announcement does not specify the policy's exceptions, enforcement process, definition of generative AI, or the contract language governing permitted technology use.