New York Times tech staff threaten election day walkout amid contract dispute

Technical employees at The New York Times may vote to walk off the job on Tuesday if their employment demands remain unmet.
The potential Election Day work stoppage could significantly affect the newspaper’s presidential election coverage, amidst ongoing unsuccessful negotiations between parties, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“We have made it clear that we need to reach an agreement before the election in order to avert a strike,” the union’s bargaining team wrote to the Times’ board of directors urging its members to intervene.
The Guild, representing technical professionals including software engineers, data analysts and designers at “The Gray Lady,” is demonstrating its collective influence for the first time since its establishment in 2022.
Union members overwhelmingly supported strike action in September, with 95% voting in favour if their requirements weren’t satisfied. Their primary concerns include employment security considering advancing AI technology and fair compensation for women and minority union members.
Presidential election days traditionally generate significant readership increases for news organisations. Similar expectations exist for Tuesday’s closely watched contest between Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
A Times representative told the Journal that the union’s timeline appeared “arbitrary” and choosing Election Day “feels both unnecessary and at odds with our mission.”
However, the representative assured that the newspaper has “robust plans in place to ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission and serve our readers.”
While the Guild has operated without a contract since formation, company officials highlight that members receive substantial compensation, with most earning above £100,000 annually, including compensation and stock options averaging approximately £190,000.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Tech Guild to reach a fair contract, that takes into account that they are already among the highest paid individual contributors in the Company and journalism is our top priority,” a Times spokesperson communicated via email on Sunday.
“We’re in one of the most consequential periods of coverage for our readers,” they added. Union members gathered at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn on Saturday to advocate for their benefits. The Guild had not responded to The Post’s request for comment on Sunday.