Today we made history.

For the first time since the Los Angeles Times printed its inaugural edition in 1881, our journalists have voted to form a union. The vote was 248 to 44 — 85% YES!

We've long been a proud voice for our readers. Finally, we can be a proud voice for ourselves. Anyone familiar with the history of The Times -- and of Los Angeles itself -- knows the significance of what we've just accomplished.

In the weeks ahead, you'll be hearing about how you can run for leadership positions to represent yourself and your colleagues as we prepare for our contract negotiations with Tronc. We need leaders who are willing to fight tooth and nail for every worker and for every department.

We encourage everyone to get involved, even if you were not a part of the union election campaign. The union we've created belongs to everyone. There is no better time to get involved.

—The L.A. Times Guild Organizing Committee