History of San Francisco newspaper strike of 1994 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2025

The 1994 San Francisco newspaper strike began in November 1994, initiated by the Newspaper Guild. Employees of the San Francisco Chronicle and The San Francisco Examiner went on strike for eleven days due to labor disputes. This event highlighted the tensions between newspaper management and labor unions regarding job security, wages, and healthcare benefits. The strike significantly impacted the production and distribution of both newspapers, leading to financial losses and reduced readership during that period.

1965: Joint Operating Agreement

In 1965, San Francisco's two major daily newspapers, the San Francisco Chronicle and The San Francisco Examiner, began working under a joint operating agreement, as longtime rivals.

November 1, 1994: Workers walk off the job

On November 1, 1994, approximately 2,600 reporters, editors, drivers, press operators, and paper handlers from the San Francisco Chronicle and The San Francisco Examiner initiated a strike by walking off the job.

November 12, 1994: Tentative agreement reached, ending strike

On November 12, 1994, after eight days of negotiations mediated by San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan, management and a conference of eight unions reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to the newspaper strike.

November 1994: Newspaper Guild strike in San Francisco

In November 1994, the Newspaper Guild called a labor dispute, resulting in employees of the San Francisco Chronicle and The San Francisco Examiner walking off the job for eleven days.