The New York Times Tech Guild, a group of over 600 tech workers who play a crucial role in maintaining the infrastructure of The New York Times, has recently gone on strike due to what they claim are unfair labor practices. Despite giving management ample notice, the guild felt that the company did not value its members enough to agree to a fair contract, leading to the strike taking place just before the US presidential election on November 5th.
One of the significant impacts of this strike is the guild’s request for the public to refrain from playing games like Wordle and Connections, as well as using the cooking app provided by The New York Times. They have set up a “strike-friendly” website that offers alternative games and recipes for readers to enjoy while supporting their cause.
While the New York Times respects the union’s right to strike, spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha expressed disappointment in the timing of the strike, stating that it is unnecessary and conflicts with the company’s mission. The company aims to work with the Tech Guild to reach a fair contract, highlighting that the tech workers are already among the highest-paid contributors to the company and that journalism remains their top priority.
In response to the strike, the New York Times has assured readers that they have contingency plans in place to continue fulfilling their mission and serving their audience. The strike has brought attention to the importance of fair labor practices and the value of tech workers in supporting the operations of major media organizations like The New York Times.
The guild’s decision to strike just before a significant event like the US presidential election underscores their commitment to advocating for fair treatment and recognition of their contributions to the company. By urging the public to support their cause by avoiding specific activities provided by The New York Times, they are leveraging their influence to bring attention to their demands for a fair contract.
As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how the negotiations between the Tech Guild and The New York Times management will unfold. The outcome of these discussions will not only impact the tech workers directly involved but also set a precedent for how media organizations address labor issues and ensure the well-being of their employees.
