The New York Times Tech Guild successfully reached a tentative agreement enhancing job security and pay for its employees after years of negotiations.
At a Glance
- The agreement follows over two years of negotiations and a notable election day strike.
- Three-year contract includes wage increases, just cause protections, and hybrid work conditions.
- If ratified, this will mark the first contract for the Times Tech Guild.
- Members will vote on the contract ratification on December 19.
Concluding Two Years of Negotiations
The Times Tech Guild reached a tentative contract agreement with The New York Times after more than two years of negotiations and a strike held during a crucial period. The New York Times expressed satisfaction with the agreement, which covers a wide array of concerns previously raised by the guild. Representing over 600 tech employees, including data analysts and developers, this three-year contract is poised to set new standards for tech workers in the industry.
The contract, if approved, will grant employees pay increases of up to 8.25%, “just cause” protections against layoffs, and additional compensation for on-call assignments. Furthermore, the contract would offer flexible hybrid working schedules, ensuring employees can operate effectively both onsite and remotely. These provisions highlight the evolution of the work landscape within the tech sphere.
After our Bargaining Committee continued to push for a fair contract over the weekend, management still refused to get serious and make a deal. Therefore, we are going on a ULP strike. See you on the picket line ✊https://t.co/lms4PNbLNT
— New York Times Tech Guild (@NYTGuildTech) November 4, 2024
Setting a Precedent in Tech Labor Negotiations
This tentative deal, pending ratification, will mark the first official contract for the Times Tech Guild since its certification in March 2022. As the largest union of tech workers holding collective bargaining rights in the U.S., the agreement serves as a pivotal moment in tech labor negotiations. The guild has successfully secured vital protections like variable compensations, stocks, and bonuses, setting a positive precedent for future negotiations.
“These first contract wins set a strong foundation for job protections that our colleagues will build upon for generations.” – Kathy Zhang
Concessions from management included mandatory trigger warnings in meetings and job security for non-citizens working on visa statuses. The impact of this successful negotiation may extend beyond The New York Times, potentially influencing other tech labor groups advocating for similar protections and working conditions in their fields.
The Times Tech Guild, which represents more than 600 tech workers at The New York Times, announced on Monday that it had ended its weeklong strike despite not reaching a deal on a contract. https://t.co/cjiVuBnYHx
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 11, 2024
A Milestone Moment for The New York Times
The Times Tech Guild strike coincided with an important time in the political calendar, preceding the presidential election. Although the union claimed the strike affected the Times’s election coverage, management disputed this. Regardless, the successful negotiation represents a significant milestone in labor relations, reflecting the changing dynamics and increase in influence of tech-focused labor unions in the industry.
Looking forward, the guild members will vote on December 19 to ratify this groundbreaking agreement. If ratified, not only does it solidify the work conditions and security for existing guild members, but it also lays the groundwork for tech labor unions across the country to follow the precedent set by this notable agreement.
Sources
1. New York Times and Tech Guild Reach Deal
2. New York Times Tech Guild reaches tentative deal with company on three-year contract
