New York Times tech workers vote to join union
By Daniel Wiessner
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A gaggle of almost 600 tech staff at The New York Occasions Co has voted to unionize as the corporate faces claims it unlawfully interfered with labor organizing, in line with election outcomes introduced on Thursday.
The employees voted 404-88 to hitch The NewsGuild of New York, which already represents different Occasions staff, in line with the U.S. Nationwide Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The bargaining unit, often known as the Occasions Tech Guild, is now the most important tech-worker union within the U.S., in line with the NewsGuild.
Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokeswoman for The New York Occasions, mentioned the corporate appeared ahead to negotiating a contract with the union.
“We proceed to imagine this election course of was vital so our colleagues might be taught extra concerning the union, hear either side of the argument and, finally, make an knowledgeable resolution,” she mentioned.
In an announcement, the Occasions Tech Guild mentioned unionizing will allow its members to have a say of their pay, advantages and dealing circumstances.
“We look ahead to working with administration to win a powerful contract that won’t simply guarantee fairness and respect for tech employees, however may even set trade requirements throughout the board,” the union mentioned.
The New York Occasions had argued the unit was inappropriate as a result of it contains staff with 5 distinct job features, and may have included solely about 360 product engineering employees. The corporate had additionally mentioned most of the employees within the unit are managers or supervisors who’re barred from becoming a member of unions.
An NLRB official in January mentioned the Occasions was precluded from pursuing each of these arguments as a result of it had not offered sufficient details about the staff’ working circumstances.
In December, the NLRB common counsel issued a criticism accusing the Occasions of unfair labor practices in reference to the union marketing campaign.
In line with the criticism, administration throughout a digital assembly final Might informed some staff they had been barred from displaying union help whereas performing as supervisors of interns, and has continued to take care of that coverage.
The Occasions has denied wrongdoing. A listening to is scheduled earlier than an administrative choose for March 14.
The NewsGuild additionally represents some staff of Reuters.
(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner; Enhancing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Chris Reese)
