As of March 12, 2025, The New York Times’ games are no longer affected by any strikes. The most recent labor action involving the Times’ tech workers concluded in November 2024, and all associated services, including games like Wordle and Connections, have since returned to normal operations.
Background of the New York Times Tech Guild
The New York Times Tech Guild represents over 600 tech professionals at The New York Times, encompassing roles such as software engineers, data analysts, and product managers. Established in April 2021, the guild sought to address concerns related to job security, pay equity, and workplace conditions. Despite initial resistance from management, the guild was officially certified in March 2022 after a decisive vote.
The November 2024 Strike: Causes and Actions
In November 2024, the Tech Guild initiated an eight-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike. The strike began on November 4, one day before the U.S. presidential election, highlighting the guild’s critical role in maintaining the newspaper’s digital infrastructure during significant news events. Key issues prompting the strike included demands for “just cause” protections, pay equity, and flexible remote work policies.
During the strike, the guild encouraged readers to support their cause by refraining from engaging with The New York Times’ digital offerings, specifically the Games and Cooking apps. This call to action aimed to leverage the popularity of these services to pressure management into negotiations. To provide alternatives, striking workers developed their own versions of popular games, such as “Strikle,” a Wordle-like game, and other labor-themed puzzles, which collectively garnered over 320,000 active users and more than half a million page views.
Impact on The New York Times’ Operations
The strike had notable implications for The New York Times’ digital operations. Users experienced slower website performance, and certain election-tracking features were unavailable during the election period. Approximately 100 tech workers crossed the picket line on Election Day to ensure critical systems remained operational, underscoring the essential nature of the tech staff’s contributions.
Resolution and Aftermath
The strike concluded on November 14, 2024, after eight days of labor action. The Tech Guild members returned to work and lifted the boycott on The New York Times’ Games and Cooking apps, signaling a willingness to continue negotiations at the bargaining table.
Subsequently, on December 11, 2024, a tentative three-year contract agreement was reached between the NewsGuild of New York and The New York Times on behalf of the Tech Guild. The proposed contract included several key provisions:
- Job Security: Enhanced “just cause” protections to prevent unjust terminations.
- Wage Increases: Guaranteed wage hikes totaling up to 8.25% over the contract’s duration, with additional compensation mechanisms for on-call duties.
- Remote Work: Assurances of flexible hybrid work schedules, addressing the guild’s concerns regarding remote work policies.
- Career Development: Improved transparency in performance evaluations and career advancement processes.
This tentative agreement was set for a ratification vote on December 19, 2024.
Is the nyt games strike over ?
Yes, the strike by The New York Times Tech Guild, which affected the newspaper’s games and other digital services, has concluded. The strike began on November 4, 2024, primarily over issues related to pay equity, job security, and remote work policies. After eight days, the guild members returned to work on November 12, 2024, without a new contract but with plans to continue negotiations.
Subsequently, on December 11, 2024, a tentative three-year contract agreement was reached between the Tech Guild and The New York Times. The contract included provisions for enhanced job security, wage increases, and flexible hybrid work schedules. The guild members were scheduled to vote on the contract ratification on December 19, 2024.
As of now, there are no ongoing strikes affecting The New York Times’ games or digital services.
Current Status
Following the ratification of the new contract, The New York Times’ tech workers have continued their duties under improved conditions. All digital services, including the Games and Cooking apps, have been operating without interruption since the strike’s conclusion. As of today, there are no ongoing strikes affecting The New York Times’ games.
Conclusion
The November 2024 strike by The New York Times Tech Guild highlighted the critical role of tech workers in sustaining modern news organizations’ digital infrastructures. The successful negotiation of a new contract addressed key concerns related to job security, compensation, and work flexibility. With these issues resolved, The New York Times’ games and other digital services continue to function seamlessly, reflecting the positive outcomes of the guild’s advocacy efforts.
FAQS:
- Is the NYT Games strike over?
Yes, the strike ended on November 12, 2024, with a tentative contract agreement reached in December. - Why did NYT Games employees go on strike?
The strike was over pay equity, job security, and remote work policies. - How long did the NYT Games strike last?
The strike lasted for eight days, from November 4 to November 12, 2024. - Did the strike affect NYT Games like Wordle and Connections?
Yes, some digital game updates and maintenance were delayed during the strike. - What was the outcome of the NYT Games strike?
A three-year contract agreement was reached, including wage increases and better job security.
