The New York Times Tech Guild has gone on strike, urging readers to avoid popular games like Wordle and Connections on the Times’ website in solidarity. The union, which represents over 600 tech employees, claims management has stalled contract negotiations and committed unfair labor practices.
The guild, composed of software engineers, designers, product managers and data analysts, has been negotiating for two years to secure its first contract.
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According to the union, management implemented a return-to-office policy without bargaining and attempted to intimidate members who chose to strike.
To maintain a digital picket line, the guild has released alternative versions of the Times’ games, allowing players to enjoy Wordle and Connections without supporting the Times’ platforms.
Among the union’s demands are greater job security, pay equity to address racial disparities and an end to allegedly discriminatory disciplinary practices. The guild claims that women and people of color have been disproportionately targeted by management’s actions, which it described as “arbitrary.”
Additionally, the union cited a specific incident in which an employee was terminated days before undergoing major surgery. While these alternate games won’t preserve players’ ongoing streaks, they replicate the experiences of the Times’ original games and are a visible part of the guild’s strike efforts.
To support union members during the strike, the guild has launched a GoFundMe campaign, with many members asking for public backing to pressure the Times to address worker concerns.
