Wed Nov 06 10:30:00 UTC 2024: ## New York Times Tech Workers Strike Ahead of Election Day
The Times Tech Guild, representing over 600 software developers and data analysts at The New York Times, has gone on strike, beginning early Monday morning. The strike comes just ahead of the busy Election Day news cycle, highlighting the growing tension between the guild and management over contract negotiations.
The key sticking points in the negotiations include a “just cause” provision for termination, pay increases and equity, and return-to-office policies. While management offered a 2.5% annual wage increase, a 5% minimum raise for promotions, and a $1,000 ratification bonus, the guild found the offer insufficient.
The guild also expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s insistence on a two-day-a-week in-office work requirement, which they see as a step backward in the era of remote work.
In response to the lack of progress in negotiations, the guild has decided to take a stand with daily protests outside the company headquarters, starting at 9 a.m. on Monday. They are also urging readers to honor a digital picket line by abstaining from using Times Games products like Wordle and the Cooking app.
The guild claims to have filed several unfair labor practice charges against The Times with the National Labor Relations Board, citing the company’s return-to-office mandate and attempts to intimidate workers considering joining the strike.
Despite the strike, the guild remains open to further negotiations and hopes to reach a contract agreement that addresses the concerns of its members.
First Piper 