New York Times Employees Stage 24-Hour Walkout Following Failed Contract

Several journalists from the New York Times are currently taking part in a 24-hour strike. 

Hundreds of employees have staged a walkout in protest of the Times’ failing to come to an agreement with members of The NewsGuild, a labor union that supports journalists. 

This marks the first strike of its kind at the publication in over 40 years, with employees expressing frustration that contract bargaining has been ongoing since March of 2021.   

Disagreements between the paper and employees included pay, remote work policies and the firm’s evaluation system, which some say exacerbates racial inequality.  

“We were ready to work for as long as it took to reach a fair deal, but management walked away from the table with five hours to go,” the union wrote on Twitter. “We know what we’re worth.” 

According to Stacy Cowley, a finance reporter and union representative, union members are seeking a 10% pay raise, as well as 5.5% raises over the next two years. Cowley added that workers want the ability to operate on a remote model following the publication’s calls for staff to be in the office three days a week. 

Deputy Managing Editor Cliff Levy stated that the Times has suggested a 5.5% raise, followed by 3% raises in 2023 and 2024 as part of the negotiated contract.