Journalists at the Los Angeles Times have overwhelmingly voted to authorize their union to call an open-ended strike, signaling deep frustration over more than three years of stalled contract negotiations. The historic vote, with 85 percent of members supporting the measure, empowers the Los Angeles Times Guild to initiate a work stoppage if a fair contract agreement cannot be reached.
Years of Strained Negotiations
The contract talks, which began in September 2022, have been marked by protracted disagreements and significant staff reductions. The Los Angeles Times Guild, representing reporters, editors, designers, photographers, and other newsroom staff, has seen its membership dwindle from approximately 450 members in 2022 to just over 200. This drastic reduction is attributed to multiple rounds of layoffs and buyouts that have impacted the newsroom since negotiations commenced.
Union leaders state that a primary demand is a cost-of-living increase, as journalists have gone without one for four years, while inflation has steadily increased the cost of essentials. Beyond wages, the Guild is also fighting to preserve existing layoff protections and implement stronger guardrails to prevent work from being outsourced to third-party companies or non-union labor. The union has also accused management of attempting to intimidate members participating in collective bargaining, leading to an unfair labor practice charge filed with the National Labor Relations Board, which found merit and issued a complaint.
A Historic Move for the LA Times Guild
This strike authorization marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the LA Times Guild, formed in early 2018, has taken such a step. While a strike has not yet been scheduled, the overwhelming support from 98 percent of the union’s members who participated in the vote provides the bargaining team with substantial leverage. The Guild plans to return to the bargaining table on October 14th.
Matt Hamilton, chair of the L.A. Times Guild, expressed the sentiment of the members, stating, “These negotiations have dragged on for far too long, and today’s vote results show that our members are fed up.” He added, “Now is the time for management to come to the table with a proposal that is truly fair for our members and helps restore The Times”.
A Troubled Landscape for Journalism
The labor dispute unfolds against a backdrop of broader challenges facing the news industry. The Los Angeles Times, like many publications, has grappled with declining revenues and has undergone significant staff cuts. Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, a biotech billionaire who acquired the paper in 2018, has invested heavily but has also overseen multiple rounds of layoffs, totaling nearly 190 newsroom positions by early 2024.
Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund known for its aggressive cost-cutting measures at newspapers it acquires, has also been a significant factor in the industry’s consolidation and staff reductions, though its direct ownership of the LA Times is not noted in recent reports. Historically, hedge funds and private equity firms have been criticized for prioritizing profits over journalistic integrity, leading to newsroom depletion.
Furthermore, the Los Angeles media market is experiencing increased competition, with new publications emerging, creating a critical juncture for the historic paper. The union argues that management’s current proposals risk devaluing the brand and its journalistic output.
Implications for the Future
The strike authorization vote underscores the deep divisions between the newsroom staff and management regarding fair compensation, job security, and the future direction of the publication. A work stoppage, should it occur, would represent the first newsroom strike since the Los Angeles Times began printing in 1881, despite a one-day walkout in January 2024 protesting anticipated layoffs. The outcome of these intensified negotiations will undoubtedly shape the future of journalism at one of the West Coast’s most prominent news organizations. The Guild is committed to securing a contract that respects its members and ensures the continued vitality of the Los Angeles News product.
