Striking New York Times tech workers ask players to stop playing Wordle in solidarity

Striking New York Times workers are asking Wordle and Connections players to stop playing the popular daily games until the strike is resolved.

Tech workers at the media company are reportedly in a dispute over concerns related to, but not exclusively “remote/hybrid work,” “just cause” protections (something the newsroom union has), and “pay equity/fair pay”.

“Our union members and bargaining committee have done everything possible to avoid this ULP strike,” senior analytics manager and Times Tech Guild unit chair said in a statement. “But management is more willing to risk our election coverage than they are to agree to a fair deal with its workers.

“They have left us no choice but to demonstrate the power of our labour on the picket line. Nevertheless, we stand ready to bargain and get this contract across the finish line.”

In a statement to Polygon, New York Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha said: “We look forward to continuing to work with the Tech Guild to reach a fair contract that takes into account that they are already among the highest paid individual contributors in the Company and journalism is our top priority.

“We’re in one of the most consequential periods of coverage for our readers and have robust plans in place to ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission and serve our readers.

“While we respect the union’s right to engage in protected actions, we’re disappointed that colleagues would strike at this time, which is both unnecessary and at odds with our mission.”

The hashtag #BreakMyStreak has appeared on social media in support for the striking workers. Alongside Worlde, the New York Times publishes several free-to-play puzzle games daily.