MSNBC Layoffs Target 99 Union Staffers, WGA East Claims

In response to significant changes within its schedule of programs, MSNBC has announced a large-scale termination of employment for 99 workers who belong to the Writers Guild of America East (WGA East), as stated on Tuesday.

Over the last two days, as a dedicated fan and supporter, I’ve learned some heartbreaking news from WGA East: MSNBC is planning to let go of 99 of our union colleagues across at least nine different shows. This shocking information follows a series of announcements indicating a significant revamp of the network’s programming schedule. It’s a tough time for our MSNBC family, as we grapple with this sweeping transformation.

Alongside other adjustments, MSNBC, owned by Comcast, is taking Joy Reid and Alex Wagner off their prime-time schedule. On the other hand, Jen Psaki, the ex-White House press secretary under President Biden who joined MSNBC in 2023, will be shifting to the 9 p.m. time slot from Tuesday to Friday.

Employees involved in these programs are part of “The ReidOut team,” “Alex Wagner’s nightly show crew,” “The Weekend staff,” “Andrea Mitchell Reports personnel,” “Ayman Mohyeldin’s reports team,” “Jonathan Capehart’s weekend group,” “The Katie Phang program staff,” “Jose Diaz-Balart’s reporting team,” and “Inside With Jen Psaki’s crew.

MSNBC reps did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the layoffs.

On Monday evening, veteran anchor Rachel Maddow voiced her criticism about the recent changes on MSNBC, expressing concern that some of the network’s most skilled and seasoned producers are being let go.

As a movie critic, I’d rephrase it like this: “Despite MSNBC acknowledging numerous job vacancies, they’ve unfairly required us, those earmarked for layoffs, to reapply for our own positions to stay employed. The MSNBC Union implores the Company not to let go of any marked employees, but instead to reassign them as necessary. In case some employees are not kept on, we insist that the Company adheres to the layoff provisions outlined in our collective bargaining agreement.

The announcement of layoffs arrives amidst the President of the United States issuing threats towards media outlets such as MSNBC, with the current situation demanding an unstaffed newsroom now more than ever to report on a democracy facing attack, according to WGA East.

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2025-02-26 00:47