On November 4th, 2024 over 600 software developers, engineers, data analysts, designers, and other digital operations staff at The New York Times went on strike, a strategic move fueled by a contract dispute with the media giant.

The strike disrupted several aspects of the Times’ digital services, including the highly anticipated election prediction “needle” and popular features like the Daily Crossword and Wordle. The timing was particularly critical, as the walkout occurred just one day before the U.S. presidential election.

The workers, represented by the Times Tech Guild, are demanding “just cause” protections, fair pay, and continued remote work options. These issues have sparked intense negotiations, but with no agreement in sight, the workers decided to take action. The phrase “No Contract, No Needle” became a rallying cry, as strikers drew attention to the potential impact of their walkout on the newspaper’s election coverage.

The strike is centered around a set of key demands: job protections that prevent unjust firing, pay increases that reflect the cost of living, and guaranteed rights to remote work. The guild has specifically called for “just cause” clauses that would ensure employees are not terminated without a fair process or reason. They argue that these protections are necessary for job security in an industry increasingly shifting to digital.

In a statement to the press, the guild emphasized that they were not just fighting for better pay, but for a system that provides fair treatment and respect for the workers who build and maintain the Times’ digital platforms. As part of their effort to gain public support, rotating mobile billboards have been placed around New York City, visibly drawing attention to their cause.

Additionally, the guild has called on the public to respect the strike by refraining from using certain Times products. They encouraged users to skip the daily games, including Wordle and the Crossword while offering alternative “strike-themed” activities. The Guild Builds page, available to the public, includes 11 New York-themed games, and recipes with names like “Let’s Taco About that Contract” and “We’ve Got Beef With Management Stuffed Mushrooms.”

A GoFundMe campaign supporting the strikers has raised over $140,000, highlighting the level of support for their cause. The campaign encourages readers to donate instead of engaging with the paper’s content during the strike.

While the Times has yet to release a detailed statement on the strike’s impact, workers have expressed their determination to continue fighting for what they see as a fair and just contract. In an era of growing unionization in tech, the Times strike is just one example of workers pushing back against the tech giants they helped build, demanding a fairer and more transparent workplace.

As the strike continues, the tension surrounding the company’s coverage of the election remains palpable. Striking workers are hoping that the disruption will lead to significant changes within the company, and with the eyes of the nation on the Times’ election coverage, it remains to be seen how long this standoff will last.

For more details about the strike, including the Guild’s demands and the community’s support, visit the New York Times Tech Guild’s official website.