Union Press Releases
Unions have tremendous opportunity to get media attention and support from the general public through the strategic use of press releases.
A press release for an event is a strategic document aimed at attracting media attention and informing the public about activities in which unions are involved. They are a great tool to get attention, sway opinions, and take control of the narrative.
In this article we’ll give you:
- 16 Press Release Examples about Union activities
- 50 Topics to Write a Union Press Release About
- How to Write a Union Press Release
- 3 Templates to help you Write Your Own Press Release for Your Union
- What Are You Announcing? Examples and Templates by Type of Press Release
- Press Release Examples Across Several Industries
Union Press Release Examples
One of the most important tools when writing a press release is to see how others have done it. Here are 16 different examples of press releases written about union activities. Each of these is a real press release you can use as a model as you write yours.
Union Press Release Example #1: Employees vote to unionize
Union Press Release Example #2: Union supports demand for union recognition
Union Press Release Example #3: Union/company reach tentative agreement
Additional Union Press Release Examples
And here are 13 additional examples you can use to model your press releases upon:
Employees to vote to form a union
Company sues union to silence safety concerns
Union endorses candidate
Union president to speak
Company and unions unite to improve safety
Athletes choose union representation
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usw-usfl-players-choose-union-representation-301562363.html
Union announces new voluntary income protection plan
Union claims employees fired because of support of unionization
Union votes to accept contract extension
Unions join to endorse improvement
Union celebrates pension relief plan
Hundreds of union members attend union conference
Union prepares for green jobs with specialized training
The Comprehensive Guide to Creating Powerful Press Releases for Unions
Resources to help you write an amazing press release and distribute it to the right people to get publicity for your union activities and causes.
50 Topics to Write a Union Press Release About
My guess is that you’re here on this page because you’d like to write a press release for your union, but may be struggling with what to write one about. We’ve got your back! Here are 50 different topics you could write a press release about to support your union and its mission:
- Union Achieves Historic Contract Agreement with Major Employer
The union successfully negotiates a groundbreaking contract, securing improved wages and benefits for its members. - Union Calls for Nationwide Strike to Demand Fair Wages
The union announces a nationwide strike, pushing for equitable pay across all industries. - Union Files Grievance Against Company Over Unsafe Working Conditions
The union takes legal action against the employer for violating safety regulations and putting workers at risk. - Union Launches Campaign for Better Healthcare Benefits
The union starts a public awareness campaign advocating for enhanced healthcare coverage for workers. - Union Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Major Community Event
The union hosts a large community event to commemorate 50 years of advocating for workers’ rights. - Union Announces Endorsement of Political Candidate
The union formally endorses a political candidate who promises to champion labor rights. - Union Organizes Rally for Workers’ Rights in City Hall
The union organizes a public rally at city hall, demanding reforms and better protection for workers. - Union Partners with Local Non-Profit to Support Worker Retraining Programs
The union collaborates with a local non-profit to provide retraining and skill development programs for its members. - Union Rejects Employer’s Offer, Strike Action Imminent
The union rejects an inadequate contract offer from the employer, warning of potential strike action. - Union Wins Legal Battle for Workers’ Right to Organize
The union successfully defends the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in court. - Union Launches Campaign Against Wage Theft in the Industry
The union announces a new initiative to combat wage theft and ensure fair compensation for workers. - Union Demands Immediate Action on Workplace Harassment
The union calls for stronger measures and immediate action against workplace harassment incidents. - Union Proposes New Apprenticeship Program for Young Workers
The union unveils a new apprenticeship program to attract and train young workers in skilled trades. - Union Files Lawsuit Over Unpaid Overtime Wages
The union files a lawsuit on behalf of workers who were denied overtime pay by their employer. - Union Supports Environmental Reforms in the Workplace
The union backs efforts to introduce eco-friendly practices and improve sustainability in the workplace. - Union Announces Major Victory in Pension Negotiations
The union secures significant improvements to the pension plans of its members after tough negotiations. - Union Organizes Nationwide Boycott of Non-Union Companies
The union calls for a boycott of companies that refuse to recognize or negotiate with unions. - Union Hosts Job Fair for Unemployed and Underemployed Workers
The union organizes a job fair to help displaced or underemployed workers find new opportunities. - Union Supports New Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage
The union expresses full support for a new bill aiming to raise the minimum wage across the country. - Union Demands Greater Transparency in Corporate Practices
The union calls for more transparent corporate practices, especially in labor and environmental policies. - Union Pushes for Equal Pay for Women in the Industry
The union advocates for pay equality, urging companies to eliminate gender-based wage gaps. - Union Organizes Strike in Protest of Outsourcing Jobs
The union leads a strike to protest the outsourcing of jobs that should remain within the local workforce. - Union Demands Better Safety Standards Amid Rising Injuries
The union calls for the implementation of stricter safety standards after a rise in workplace injuries. - Union Expands Educational Programs for Workers
The union announces the expansion of its educational initiatives, offering more opportunities for worker development. - Union Protests Layoffs and Job Cuts by Major Corporation
The union organizes protests against recent layoffs and job cuts by a major employer in the industry. - Union Celebrates Victory in Workplace Discrimination Case
The union wins a legal battle against discriminatory practices targeting minority workers in the workplace. - Union Organizes Collective Action to Demand Paid Family Leave
The union advocates for paid family leave, organizing collective action to push employers for this benefit. - Union Secures Wage Increase for Part-Time and Temporary Workers
The union successfully negotiates a pay raise for part-time and temporary workers in a new contract. - Union Condemns Corporate Greed and Executive Bonuses
The union criticizes corporate executives for excessive bonuses amid worker wage stagnation. - Union Partners with Universities to Offer Free Training for Workers
The union collaborates with local universities to provide free or low-cost training programs for its members. - Union Announces Strike Vote Over Stalled Contract Negotiations
The union schedules a strike vote after months of failed contract negotiations with the employer. - Union Stands in Solidarity with Striking Workers in Another Industry
The union expresses its solidarity and support for striking workers in a different but related industry. - Union Leads March on Capitol to Demand Labor Law Reforms
The union organizes a march on the nation’s capital, calling for comprehensive labor law reforms. - Union Wins Arbitration Over Unfair Worker Termination
The union secures a victory in arbitration, reinstating a worker who was unfairly terminated. - Union Opposes Automation and Job Losses in Manufacturing
The union speaks out against the rapid increase in automation, which threatens jobs in manufacturing. - Union Expands Mental Health Support for Workers
The union introduces new mental health resources and support services for its members. - Union Launches Fund for Workers Affected by Natural Disasters
The union creates a relief fund to help workers who are impacted by natural disasters or emergencies. - Union Organizes Worker Safety Seminar After Recent Accidents
The union holds a safety seminar to address workplace hazards and prevent future accidents. - Union Urges Employers to Provide More Flexible Work Hours
The union advocates for more flexible working hours, especially for parents and caregivers. - Union Launches Scholarship Program for Workers’ Children
The union announces a new scholarship program to support the education of workers’ children. - Union Demands Employer Accountability After Data Breach
The union calls for action and accountability after a data breach compromises workers’ personal information. - Union Celebrates Achievement of Paid Sick Leave in New Contract
The union secures paid sick leave as part of the latest contract agreement for its members. - Union Seeks Improved Retirement Benefits in Upcoming Negotiations
The union outlines its goals for enhanced retirement benefits in upcoming contract talks. - Union Opposes New Anti-Worker Legislation Proposed by Lawmakers
The union condemns proposed legislation that would weaken worker protections and labor rights. - Union Applauds Passage of New Workplace Safety Regulations
The union praises the government for passing new laws aimed at improving safety in the workplace. - Union Demands Better Access to Childcare for Working Parents
The union advocates for improved access to affordable childcare for working parents in the industry. - Union Secures Victory in Fight for Affordable Housing for Workers
The union wins a major victory in securing affordable housing options for its low-income members. - Union Pushes for the Protection of Immigrant Workers’ Rights
The union calls for stronger protections for immigrant workers who face exploitation and discrimination. - Union Condemns Corporate Lobbying Against Climate Action
The union speaks out against corporate efforts to weaken climate action policies that affect workers’ health. - Union Celebrates Record-High Membership Numbers in Recent Years
The union proudly announces that its membership has reached an all-time high, reflecting its growing influence.
How to Write a Press Release for Your Union
In a minute I’ll provide links to comprehensive guides to help you write a press release for your union. In the meantime, it’s important for you to understand these key points about writing a union press release:
- Start with “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” at the top
- Write a compelling headline in bold or all caps
- Begin with a strong lead paragraph containing the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why)
- Use short paragraphs and clear language
- Add your union’s boilerplate information
- Include clear contact information
- Lead with the most important information
- Include powerful quotes from both leadership and rank-and-file members
- Use specific numbers and facts when possible
- Avoid jargon and technical terms
- Keep it to one page when possible
- Include relevant background information
- Add links to additional resources
- Emphasize worker impact
- Highlight community connections
- Include relevant industry context
- Reference previous related events
- Provide clear calls to action
- Include picket line locations or rally information if relevant
- Include at least two quotes
- Get quotes from different perspectives (leaders, workers, community allies)
- Make quotes sound natural and conversational
- Attribute clearly with full names and titles
- Use strong, active verbs in quotes
- Use active voice (“Workers demanded” not “Demands were made”)
- Be specific (“400 nurses” not “hundreds of healthcare workers”)
- Avoid inflammatory language
- Use present tense in headlines
- Keep sentences concise
- Use bullet points for key demands or facts
- Don’t bury the lead
- Avoid excessive adjectives
- Don’t include internal union matters
- Skip unnecessary background
- Don’t use all caps except in headline
- Avoid technical jargon
- Release time-sensitive news as quickly as possible
- Use a press release distribution service like eReleases to maximize reach and pickup
- Send during early morning hours (6-9 AM) for best media pickup
- Distribute on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday ideal)
- Avoid holiday periods unless urgently necessary
- Send follow-up releases for major developments
- Target your release to specific media outlets
- Consider timing with news cycles
- Prepare spokespeople for follow-up questions
- Have supporting materials ready
- Plan for social media distribution
- Be available for media calls
- Monitor coverage
- Send corrections if needed
- Track which outlets pick up your releases
- Maintain relationships with key reporters
- Add links to photos or video
- Provide social media handles
- Include website links
- Make it easy to copy/paste key information
1. Structure and Format
2. Content Best Practices
3. Key Elements for Union Releases
4. Including Quotes and Attribution
5. Language Tips
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
7. Timing and Distribution
8. Media Strategy Considerations
9. Follow-up Actions
10. Digital Elements
3 Sample Union Press Release Templates
It’s always easier to write anything when you have a fill-in-the-blank template. Here are templates for three frequently-written press releases issued by unions:
Template 1: Contract Negotiation Victory
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Headline: [Union Name] Secures Historic Contract Victory for [Number] Workers Key Contract Achievements: “[Quote from Union President/Leader about the significance of the victory and how it will benefit workers],” said [Name], [Title] of [Union Name]. “[Quote from rank-and-file member about what these improvements mean for workers and their families],” said [Name], [Job Title/Member]. The agreement, which will be in effect for [duration], comes after [number] months of negotiations and demonstrates the power of worker solidarity. For more information about [Union Name] and this agreement, visit [website]. Contact: [Name], [Title] |
Template 2: Strike Announcement
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [CITY, State] — [Number] members of [Union Name] began a strike at [time] today at [Company Name] locations in [geographic area] after management refused to address [key issues: unsafe working conditions/unfair wages/benefit cuts]. Key Worker Demands: “[Quote from Union Leadership explaining why workers were forced to take this action],” said [Name], [Title]. Picket lines are being established at the following locations: [Location 1 with time] Community supporters are invited to join workers on the picket line. For updates, follow [social media handles] or visit [website]. Contact: [Name], [Title] |
Template 3: Union Organization Victory
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Headline: Workers at [Company Name] Vote to Join [Union Name] in Historic Victory [CITY, State] — Workers at [Company Name] have voted to join [Union Name] in a National Labor Relations Board election, marking a historic victory for labor rights in the [industry/region]. The final vote count was: [Number] votes in favor “[Quote from organizing committee member about why workers chose to unionize],” said [Name], [Job Title]. Next Steps: “[Quote from Union Representative about the significance of this victory and future plans],” said [Name], [Title]. This victory represents [broader significance/industry impact/historical context]. For more information or to support these workers, visit [website]. Contact: [Name], [Title] |
What Are You Announcing? Examples and Templates by Type of Press Release
- Launching a New Product
- Launching a Product Improvement
- An Event
- A Grand Opening
- Achievement of a Major Milestone
- Receipt of an Award or Recognition
- A New Hire or Promotion
- Dealing with a Crisis
- A Partnership With Another Organization
- An Acquisition or Merger
- Social Cause Activities
- Release of a New Book
- Political Campaign Activities
- Music-Related Announcement
- School/University Announcements
- Media, Network, and Local Station Announcements
- Nonprofit Announcements
- Announce an Art Exhibition
- Press Release for A Movie
Press Release Examples Across Several Industries
Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release:
Additional Press Release Resources
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Directory of Examples & Templates
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What is a Press Release?
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Click for Press Release Template & Format (including a blank press release example)
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Click to Learn How to Format a Press Release (+ Free Template and 80+ Examples)
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Click to Learn How to Write a Press Release
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Click to Learn How to Submit a Press Release
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To Write a Press Release Yourself or Not?
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80+ Example Press Releases
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Of course, you could always have us write and distribute your release — starting at a special combination price for new customers. Click here – Press Release Writing
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