NYT Guild Says Staffers Were Warned They Could Be Arrested at 175th Anniversary Gala Protest | Exclusive
The union accuses Times management of trying to “silence” employees fighting for better wages and health care The post NYT Guild Says Staffers Were Warned They Could Be Arrested at 175th Anniversary Gala Protest | Exclusive appeared first on TheWrap .
The New York Times Guild has accused management of attempting to silence protesting employees during the newspaper's 175th anniversary gala. According to an internal email obtained exclusively by TheWrap, an NYPD officer informed the demonstrators that the Times had secured a permit restricting access to the sidewalk, effectively turning it into "private property" for the evening. The officer warned that protesters entering the restricted zone could be considered trespassers and arrested.
The Guild claims this officer's actions were directed by Times management. The union sent a letter on Tuesday to Times executives, including publisher A.G. Sulzberger, executive editor Joe Kahn, CEO Meredith Kopit Levien, and senior vice president of global security Dave Nicholas. The letter was also copied to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The Guild's email alleges this incident is "shameful" and underscores the company's failure to respect workers' First Amendment rights.
Representatives for The Times and NYPD have not yet responded to TheWrap's requests for comment on the Guild's allegations. Previously, a Times spokesperson stated the company was committed to resolving the contract dispute fairly. The dispute has centered on health care costs, with the Guild criticizing the Times' recent 2% wage increase offer and proposed changes to employee health care expenses.
The Guild contends that the company is asking workers to contribute more while prioritizing shareholder profits and lavish celebrations.
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