Dec. 7, 2017 – Employees of the New York Times have ratified a four-year contract, the NewsGuild of New York has announced.
The local’s press release is reprinted below.
On Dec. 6, 2017, members of the New York Times unit of the NewsGuild of New York, the union that represents close to 3,000 media professionals working in the New York City metro area, voted to approve a new contract with the New York Times.The previous contract had expired in March 2016.
The four-year agreement, which covers much of the Times’ newsroom and business staff, is in effect until March 30, 2021. Members will receive a 2.5% signing bonus and 2% raises on Jan. 1 and March 31, 2018. They will get additional 2% increases in 2019 and 2020.
For the first time, the Guild secured guaranteed medical coverage for up to one year for any member who is laid off. Additionally, the Guild’s bargaining committee successfully negotiated that the Times will provide short- and long-term disability plans for members who need to take medical leave.
“The negotiating committee worked incredibly hard,” said Grant Glickson, president of the NewsGuild. “It was a tough fight. But I commend our committee and our membership for hanging in there and securing a contract during a time when union protections for media professionals across the nation are crucial for those working in this industry.”
The union negotiated an accelerated vacation schedule for its members, which will provide new employees with three weeks of vacation time during their first year of service. All employees who remain at the Times for 15 or more years will now receive five weeks of vacation. Guild members garnered an additional holiday and personal day as well.
The Guild will also welcome new members to its ranks, adding positions in the Video and Audio Departments into union jurisdiction.
“These past two years at the table have proven that union representation in the New York Times is necessary for our newsroom and for all of our staff,” said Bill Baker, Guild member and Times unit chair. “Though we’ve negotiated and ratified our contract, our work doesn’t stop here.”
The Guild’s local representative Anthony Napoli served as the union’s lead negotiator alongside President Grant Glickson and the Times’ bargaining committee.