Our Mission
We choose to work at The New York Times because we care deeply about our mission. The same values that brought us here — integrity, respect and collaboration — compel us to organize.
We believe that a vibrant and healthy workplace is not only compatible with our mission, it is essential to it. To truly uphold the ideals The Times espouses, to make “society stronger and more just,” we must champion them with the same tenacity and dedication in practice as we do on the page. By forming a union, we can address some of our most pressing issues:
We strive for excellence, but recognize that it is predicated on fairness and transparency around compensation. Excellence also comes over time: it is built through clear, equitable promotion processes.
We strive for a curious and collaborative work environment, but understand that can only be achieved through independence, as well as clear roles and responsibilities.
We strive for a workplace characterized by integrity and respect, one that is diverse, representative, and equitable. One enriched by a plurality of voices.
Solidarity in our upcoming contract campaign empowers us to pursue these goals, and allows us to stand with our peers where they have previously stood alone.
The Stewards' Pledge
We formed a union because we care about The New York Times and want to fulfill its mission of becoming the best place to work in media. To do this, we pledge to stand in solidarity as stewards of our union.
Member Testimonials
Danielle Medellin, Senior Analyst, Subscription Growth
Coming into the union, I had my own list of improvements I wanted to see and things I thought should be included in our first contract. As I continued to meet with other members, I noticed just how much of the picture I was missing. I left each conversation and panel with a new understanding of what some of my colleagues were struggling with or fighting for, but also an overwhelming sense of solidarity in wanting to help each other. Each one of us has visible and invisible identities that are often overlooked by management when new processes and policies are introduced. Whether that overlooking is intentional or not, we deserve to have the opportunity for our voices to be heard, for our working conditions to be beneficial and accommodating for all, for inclusion to be the norm and not an afterthought. Through the union we can ensure underrepresented groups are supported and protected, because we are the union. I am excited to build a unit that listens to, includes, and advocates for all of its members!
Support From the Labor Movement
Alberta Devor and Rob Ruenes, Members of Alphabet Workers Union, New York Chapter
We’re proud to stand in solidarity with the unionized NYT tech workers and publicly welcome them into CWA. We’re thrilled to see our fellow tech workers building power in the labor movement. Organizing will not only help NYT workers fight for their own rights, but will also improve conditions for workers across our field.
Bill Baker, New York Times
I have spent most of my career being part of a union. I can say that the few years that I was not were the most troubling. Being in a union has given me a sense of authority over my working conditions. It has allowed me to be vocal about issues at work without fear of reprisal. It's comforting to know that my colleagues and I have common interests that bond us together to make our workplace better for everyone. When NYT had no interest in analyzing salaries for pay disparities, our union used the language in our contract to gather the information needed to do our own study. This resulted in pay increases for many and a new corporate compensation committee with pay studies done more frequently. The Guild's ability to speak collectively on issues pertaining to DEI over the years has 'inspired' management to create some of the policies that are now in place. When management cut pensions for excluded employees we were able to keep ours because of our union. Each time there is an attempt to erode or violate our contract, either by creating a multi-tiered salary structure for reporters or an attempt to layoff hundreds of copy editors, I am reminded that if it were not for Guild members who spoke up and walked out, the Times would impose their will without resistance. For these reasons and more, I am a proud Guild member and am looking forward to the day that your vote will give us even more voice in our workplace together!
Haley Willis, New York Times
I am incredibly proud to be active in a Guild that has continually been at the forefront of fighting for the issues most important to me: diversity, equitable compensation, affordable healthcare. I have personally directly benefited from organizing with my colleagues using our Guild contract, winning raises for myself and several other colleagues who were wrongly classified and unfairly compensated. I admire the passion with which the Times Tech Guild has continued to push forward in the face of the company's union-busting tactics. With the election approaching, I only encourage you all to continue doing so. Being on the other side, I can't emphasize enough the community and safety that comes with having a union — it's that strength that has allowed us to be so vocal about how we can make this a better workplace, and that's been invaluable.
Jenny Vrentas, New York Times
Never forget the power of collective action: Together, you really can change your workplace and your industry. I experienced this firsthand as the unit chair of the Sports Illustrated Union, where we earned a contract that creates a more equitable pay structure with a $64,000 salary floor, protects the integrity of our work and greatly improves the company's diversity, equity and inclusion standards. I'm proud to work now for another Guild shop with a strong contract, where the workers have a say in how things are run, and eagerly await the Times Tech Guild officially having the same.