New York Times tech workers union votes to authorize a strike
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The New York Times Tech Guild, which represents more than 600 staffers, on Tuesday voted to authorize a strike in protest of stalled contract negotiations with The Times' management, sources confirmed to Axios.
Why it matters: The guild, which was formed in 2022, has yet to secure a contract after more than two years of bargaining.
Driving the news: Of the union's 622 workers, 89% participated in the strike authorization vote Tuesday and an overwhelming majority supported the vote to strike.
Between the lines: It's unclear when the guild plans to strike, but with the elections coming up, any time in the near future would be problematic for The Times.
- The Wirecutter union held a five-day walkout over the Black Friday holiday weekend in 2021 and struck a deal with management days later. (It re-signed another three-year contract earlier this year.)
- The Times' main editorial union held a one-day walkout in December 2022 and struck a contract deal after more than two years of bargaining in May 2023.
Catch up quick: Tech workers voted in favor of unionizing with the NewsGuild in early 2022.
- Kathy Zhang, a senior analytics manager with The Times and the guild's unit chair, said, "Management has really dragged its feet when it comes to bargaining," between the union formation and now.
- A spokesperson for The New York Times did not comment.
The big picture: The tech guild represents the largest union of tech workers with bargaining rights in the country, per the NewsGuild.
- As such, union organizers are looking to set a precedent for other tech unions via its contract negotiations with The Times.
- Beyond fighting for wages, it's also bargaining for various workplace policies, including remote work rights, and unique just cause protections.
