The New York Times Tech Guild’s contract dispute threatens to halt crucial election coverage on Election Day through a potential strike. Yet more trouble for The Gray Lady.
Potential Strike Threatens Coverage
The New York Times Tech Guild, encompassing some 600 software engineers and data analysts, is contemplating a strike timed for Election Day. This strategic move underscores the Guild’s serious negotiation stance, potentially affecting live updates, forecasts, and essential services during election coverage. Job security and pay equity form the crux of the ongoing contract negotiations, which have been unresolved since 2022.
Approximately half of the Guild’s workers are crucial to the New York Times’ digital operations on election night, including the technical execution of the election-night needle, a trusted forecasting tool. The possible strike could disrupt these operations, potentially leading to a significant impact on the paper’s ability to deliver real-time election news.
The executive board of @CWAUnion has just approved @NYTGuildTech’s plans to go on strike. It’s now up to @NYTimes to decide if this strike happens. pic.twitter.com/COjad3yJKP
— New York Times Tech Guild (@NYTGuildTech) October 17, 2024
Negotiation Stalemate and Strike Threat
Both the New York Times management and the Tech Guild have accused each other of stalling negotiations. The Guild argues that successful resolution depends on addressing their concerns over job security and pay. The NYT management claims to have plans in place to minimize potential coverage disruptions. However, tensions rise as negotiations continue without resolution.
“We have robust plans in place to ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission and serve our readers,” NYT spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha said, The Washington Post reported.
750 NYT journalists have expressed their support for the Tech Guild’s demands, urging management to agree to terms beneficial to both parties. They highlight the vital role tech workers play in maintaining the quality and trustworthiness of the Times’ reporting, particularly at critical moments like election night.
NYT can avoid a strike on election day.
Stop stalling and come to the table, in good faith!#nytimes #strike #1u https://t.co/06iPUdi8ay— NYTimesGuild (@NYTimesGuild) October 9, 2024
Union Solidarity and Implications
Support for the Guild extends beyond its members, with other unions at the New York Times, such as Wirecutter’s union, joining in criticizing management’s efforts. The Guild’s strategic timing and broad support from fellow journalists and union members underline the high stakes of these negotiations ahead of a major national event. The NYT continues to dispute the Guild’s claims about the length and outcome of the negotiation meetings.
“Pretty much every aspect of the business is backed by digital systems that we’ve created,” said Harnett. “If engineers with critical knowledge of those systems aren’t there, … that could really go through the whole business.” – Benjamin Harnett
Who cares, it’s NY. #Trump