Unionized tech workers at the New York Times have suggested they could strike on the upcoming US Election Day.
The Times Tech Guild, representing over 600 technology employees, has hinted at a possible walkout on Election Day, a move that could impact critical election coverage during a high-stakes presidential race.
Concerns Over Election Day Disruption
The potential strike has raised concerns among Times executives and journalists alike, as tech workers play a pivotal role in supporting the paper’s digital infrastructure.
The New York Times relies on these tech workers—software engineers, data analysts, and project managers—to ensure the stability of its digital tools, including The Needle, a tool that provides real-time predictions for election outcomes.
In a recent letter to the board of directors, the Times Tech Guild wrote:
“We have made it clear that we need to reach an agreement before the election to avert a strike.”
Without tech staff on Election Day, the paper could struggle to address issues quickly or update critical tools, potentially hampering coverage during one of the most closely watched days of the year.
A spokesperson for The New York Times expressed disappointment with the timing, describing the potential strike as “arbitrary” and “at odds with our mission.”
However, the Guild maintains that Election Day was chosen to emphasize the urgency of their demands for fair wages and job protections.
What the Tech Guild is Fighting For
The Times Tech Guild has been seeking fair wages, stronger job protections, and benefits that include work-life balance initiatives such as full-time remote work.
Many tech workers at the Times receive substantial compensation—most earn over $100,000 annually, with the average total package reaching $190,000, including bonuses and restricted stock units.
However, the Guild argues that these figures do not negate the need for a fair contract that guarantees protection.
Maximizing the impact of their demands, Guild members held rallies and meetings, including a recent demonstration at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza.
Chants of “no contract, no code” underscored their commitment to securing a new contract that reflects the value of their contributions to the digital transformation of the publication.
A New Kind of Union in Journalism
The unionization of tech employees at The New York Times represents a shift in the traditional newsroom dynamic.
As Columbia Journalism School professor Bill Grueskin explains, modern media organizations now require tech professionals alongside journalists to remain competitive and innovative.
Unlike many newsroom unions, which may prioritize editorial concerns, the Times Tech Guild is focused on securing rights and protections specific to the tech sector.
Grueskin said: “Those new workers clearly feel more comfortable than their journalism colleagues would in threatening to shutter the most important news site in the country during the most important election in many decades,”.
Internal Division and Industry Support
The potential Election Day strike has prompted mixed reactions among the Times newsroom staff.
Some journalists argue that the Guild should have chosen a different day to avoid disrupting the work of other employees, who also support unionization.
National desk reporter Jeremy Peters said:
“They would have had a lot more support from the newsroom if they hadn’t picked the one day a strike seems most likely to interfere with the hard work of other Guild members.”
The Guild’s efforts also have notable support. Hundreds of members from the newsroom’s union, a separate body under the NewsGuild-CWA umbrella, recently signed a pledge in solidarity with the tech union’s goals.
At a recent rally, business reporter and Guild officer Stacy Cowley emphasized the workers’ importance to the paper’s election coverage, saying:
“Your fight is our fight…We know that if you walk out, the election is going to be a mess!”
Ongoing Negotiations and Financial Disputes
Negotiations have moved slowly since the Times Tech Guild unionized two years ago, with the union pushing for fair pay while Times executives cite concerns over costs.
The Guild’s initial proposal would reportedly add over $100 million in compensation over three years.
Management argues the union’s demands include increased pay for fewer work hours, which could negatively impact collaboration and innovation.
The Times has faced years of labor disputes as employees push for stronger rights, despite management’s initial resistance to the formation of a tech union.
The company has historically hesitated to recognize tech staff unionization, arguing that it could hinder the adaptability and collaborative spirit required to maintain digital growth.
What’s Next for The Times and Its Tech Workers?
With the Times’ reliance on digital subscriptions and interactive tools for election coverage, the potential Election Day strike highlights the crucial role of technology in modern journalism.
A strike could underscore the power of the Times’ tech workforce while setting a precedent for similar tech unions in the media.
As negotiations continue, the standoff reflects the changing dynamics within newsrooms, where tech workers are as essential as journalists.
The outcome of these talks may shape the Times’ relationship with its tech staff, influencing labor movements across other news organizations.
