New York Times tech workers threaten to shut down election coverage over labor disputes, putting their own interests above informing the public during a crucial time.
At a Glance
- NYT Tech Guild may walk out on Election Day over contract disputes
- Strike could include between 600-700 workers, including data analysts and software engineers
- Demands include pay equity and job security against AI
- Workers already have average compensation of $190K
NYT Tech Elites Threatening Coverage of Election
On one of the most important days of the last four years, the selfish members of the New York Times Tech Guild are threatening to strike on Election Day if the outlet doesn’t meet their lavish demands. The members already have an average salary of $190,000, but that’s apparently not enough for them. They’re willing to threaten the coverage of a critical election to get even more.
This threat follows more than 1,000 workers at the media outlet striking last year.
The Tech Guild represents between 600 and 700 workers, including data analysts and software engineers. The group formed back in 2022 and wants to flex its muscles. A 95% vote margin is what is looking like a strike will happen if The Times doesn’t meet their demands, which would threaten the digital platforms on a day when millions of Americans will be looking to gain crucial information on the election.
Misplaced Priorities, Outrageous Demands
The union is demanding progressive moves — pay equity for all, assurances that they can work remotely and job security against advancements in AI. This comes even though the workers have huge salaries and stock options. The union’s bargaining team has said it’s “made it clear that we need to reach an agreement before the election in order to avert a strike.”
The Times has said this deadline is only “arbitrary” and has said that journalism needs to be the priority on Election Day. The union members don’t agree, though.
What the Union’s Greed Could Cost
If the Tech Guild were to strike on election day, it would cause major negative ripple effects. People might have trouble gaining access to timely information about the election. Instead of fighting for the “everyday people,” the union members would be hurting them with a strike.
The Times called this hypocrisy out, with a spokesperson saying:
“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 Wake-Up Call for America
A few tech workers seemingly can hold the country hostage on a very important day, when access to accurate information is crucial. Bullies like this shouldn’t be rewarded, but rather reminded that they can’t do stuff like this.
Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail and this will be a non-issue come Election Day. It’s what Americans deserve.