The move follows a range of union recruitment and organising initiatives at the company which convinced the digital journalists about the benefits of working collectively to improve pay, job security and conditions at work, says the National Union of Journalists.
Vice journalists want the NUJ to represent them in national negotiations with the company and the union has submitted the request under Schedule A1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. The company has to respond within 10 days.
A Vice NUJ committee spokesperson said: "We’re excited and looking forward to working with the company; we hope it chooses to recognise the union voluntarily since it is clear that we have a majority of support.
"Vice should be leading the industry by setting high standards for employment as well as journalistic integrity. While digital media is a rapidly growing and changing industry, it’s important for employers in the sector to respect workers’ rights. We enjoy working at Vice and we just want a voice in making improvements for staff.
"Digital media workers have shared concerns and we need to take a united stance in improving our workplaces. Our efforts to unionise comes after months of discussing issues such as pay, equality in the workplace, insecure contracts, and career progression.
"We were inspired by other workers in the sector and are now part of the global movement for improved rights at Vice. We encourage others to get organised and would like to offer support to anyone in digital media looking to unionise.
"We all deserve fairness at work and when our companies are profitable everyone should be able to appreciate the success we worked to create."
The NUJ's letter to the company said: "The NUJ wishes to establish constructive industrial relations with your company and hope you share that aim for the benefit of the company's workers and the company."
According to the NUJ, the application follows staff at Gawker, Vice US, The Guardian US, Huffington Post and other digital news outlets which have united to make collective improvements to terms and conditions.
