(Scypre.com) – The union representing The New York Times’ tech staff launched a high-stakes strike on Monday, with Election Day looming. As readers across the nation rely on the outlet’s digital infrastructure for live updates on one of the most highly anticipated election cycles in recent history, tech employees responsible for these systems are taking a stand.
The New York Times Tech Guild, representing hundreds of the paper’s tech employees, went on strike Monday morning, just one day before the nation heads to the polls. This action follows a vote by union members in September, where they decided to go on strike during Election Week if ongoing contract negotiations with Times management failed to reach a resolution.
“This is a critical time for our readers, and we recognize that,” Kathy Zhang, the Tech Guild’s unit chair, said in a statement. “But management has left us no choice but to demonstrate the power of our labor on the picket line. Still, we are more than willing to come back to the bargaining table and work towards a contract that is fair for all parties.”
The Tech Guild, with 600 members spanning departments such as Engineering, Product, Design, Data, and project management, is responsible for maintaining and powering The New York Times’ digital infrastructure. The Guild’s work ensures the reliability of back-end systems, the operation of apps, and the function of digital alerts that many readers depend on to stay informed in real-time.
Many of the Tech Guild’s members work behind the scenes on the intricate digital infrastructure of the Times. They are the ones who help make sure the site’s popular “Election Needle,” a real-time tool that shows the likelihood of electoral outcomes, functions smoothly. Without their input, this feature, along with other election-related digital services, may not operate as expected on Election Day—a potential disruption during one of the busiest news cycles of the year.
Late into Sunday night, Times management and the Tech Guild were still negotiating key points that have prolonged talks. Disagreements remain on several issues, including pay increases, a “just cause” provision to prevent unwarranted terminations, and policies regarding office attendance. Management’s offer reportedly includes a 2.5% annual wage hike, a 5% minimum raise for promotions, and a $1,000 ratification bonus. However, Guild members argue that these provisions fail to adequately address the rising costs of living and the demands of their roles within the company.
At a rally last week, one Guild member voiced the frustration felt by the staff, condemning the company for “dragging its feet” on reaching a fair contract. “It’s a myth that these complex tech systems run themselves,” he said. “Our work is as human and directly powered by our labor as the work of our co-workers in the newsroom.”
Adding to the tension, the Guild recently posted a statement on social media, alleging that management had been encouraging workers to avoid striking and even supplied contractors with secret ways to perform the striking employees’ duties remotely. The post declared, “Union busting is disgusting!” These allegations have fueled dissatisfaction and brought additional scrutiny to the company’s approach to union negotiations.
With the 2024 election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris generating intense public interest, this strike raises concerns over The New York Times’ ability to deliver the coverage its readers rely on. The Times boasts the largest online subscription base of any American newspaper, and its site is one of the most visited for news in the United States.
The Times has prepared for potential disruptions, reassuring readers that robust backup plans are in place to maintain coverage. Danielle Rhoades-Ha, a New York Times spokesperson, commented on the timing of the strike, describing it as “disappointing” and “unnecessary.” She stated, “We’re in one of the most consequential periods of coverage for our readers and have robust plans in place to ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission and serve our readers. While we respect the union’s right to engage in protected actions, we’re disappointed that colleagues would strike at this time, which is at odds with our mission.”
According to Rhoades-Ha, the company believes it has extended an equitable offer, noting that the tech workers represented by the Guild are already among the highest-paid contributors within the company.
The Tech Guild was formed in March 2022, following a trend of unionization efforts across various sectors of the news industry as employees seek better job security, wages, and working conditions. This strike marks one of the most significant labor actions for the Times in recent years and highlights the growing tension within major news organizations where the roles of tech and editorial staff increasingly overlap yet differ in compensation and recognition.
As Election Day approaches, the outcome of this labor action could have widespread effects on both The New York Times’ readership and the perception of its ability to manage internal labor relations. For now, readers and staff alike are left to see whether management and the Tech Guild can reach a resolution in time to minimize disruptions during this historic election.