The New York Times had more than 600 of its tech workers, including software engineers and data analysts, go on strike Monday.
This strike was two years in the making ever since the Times Tech Guild was voted into certification in March 2022. In September, guild members authorized a strike slated for just before the Nov. 5 election, when the outlet expects an increase in readership and a high risk time for website bugs.
Guild members are seeking an increase in pay, which includes an increase for the nonwhite staff, full-coverage health insurance, restricted stock unit grants, a four-day work week, and a just cause protection when employees are let go. Should layoffs occur, the guild demanded that the noncitizen employees be given priority, and the members are also asking for unlimited break times, accommodations for pet bereavement, bans on scented products in the break rooms, and trigger warnings in meetings.
The latest offer from the company included a 2.5% annual wage increase, a minimum 5% raise when it comes to promotions, and a $1,000 ratification bonus. The employer will continue to mandate workers come into the office at least two days a week while continuing to allow three weeks of completely remote work per year. At the moment, tech staff make an average of $190,000 a year, which is $40,000 more than the reporters’ average.
Chief Growth and Customer Officer Hannah Yang and Chief Technology Officer Jason Sobel sent an email that said this latest offer was “strong.” Had the company followed suit to the guild’s demands, it estimated it would cost more than $100 million over three years.
“We are disappointed that the Tech Guild leadership is attempting to jeopardize our journalistic mission at this critical time,” the email read.
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As a result, the games on the New York Times app, the audio playback function, and the traditional election needle infographic will be in jeopardy.
In the meantime, the guild has fundraised over half of its $75,000 goal toward its strike fund.