The reporters, photographers and news assistants of the Bulletin and The Redmond Spokesman unionized last year to continue to provide sustainable journalism that matters to Central Oregonians. We are dedicated to sharing your stories, producing award-winning journalism and getting the truth out there.

In June, our then-parent company, EO Media Group, announced mass layoffs. After bargaining with the company, NewsGuild members reduced our working hours instead. One of our reporters voluntarily left the Bulletin.

Your signatures, emails and letters helped us keep the pressure on management this summer and as we have continued to push for a strong contract. Once again, we need your support.

In November, the Bulletin and Redmond Spokesman, along with the rest of EO Media Group's papers, were sold to Carpenter Media Group. At the time, Carpenter Media Group said there would be no major changes or layoffs.

Carpenter announced layoffs and reductions last week that significantly threaten the quality of the community journalism we provide. And more layoffs among our union members may be coming.

A shrinking newsroom means that fewer people are reporting on the news you need to keep current on what's happening in our community. It could mean less coverage of city council, transportation, business and health. It also could mean you'll get less context for the news that matters to you. Imagine not learning about the financial health of our four hospitals, what happens in our schools or police departments. We attend meetings and help decipher what is happening in our communities, so you don't have to. When reporters and photographers become stretched thin, beloved community events are left by the wayside because of the lack of reporters. We become burned out and quality suffers.

That's why we need your help.

Please write to Carpenter Media Group management to urge them to cease layoffs and find another way to ensure profitability, keeping our newsroom from shrinking even further and allowing us to continue providing you with quality community journalism.