News Summary
Journalists at the Los Angeles Times have voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike authorization, with 85% support during a recent ballot. Amid prolonged contract negotiations lasting over three years, frustrations are rising among the L.A. Times Guild’s members, who demand better wages and job protections. The guild’s membership has significantly dropped, prompting urgent calls for improved labor conditions. With a potential strike on the horizon, the guild’s next bargaining session is approaching as they fight for their rights within the industry.
Los Angeles – Journalists at the Los Angeles Times have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike authorization, with 85% backing the decision during a recent ballot conducted by the L.A. Times Guild, which represents over 200 journalists including reporters, editors, designers, and photographers. The vote saw nearly 98% of the guild’s total membership participate, underscoring strong sentiments among the staff regarding ongoing labor negotiations.
While a strike has not yet been scheduled, the authorization granted to the guild allows them to call for a work stoppage if negotiations with Times management do not progress satisfactorily. The guild has been engaged in discussions for a new contract for over three years without a resolution.
During this protracted period of negotiation, the guild’s membership has fallen significantly, dropping from approximately 450 to just above 200 due to layoffs and buyouts. Frustrations among members are mounting as they seek fair proposals from management. The most pressing demands include cost-of-living wage increases, protections against layoffs, and measures to prevent the outsourcing of work to third-party companies or non-union labor.
In early 2024, the guild staged a one-day work stoppage in protest of planned layoffs, marking the first such action within the newsroom since the paper’s founding in 1881. Additionally, the union has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging that Times management engaged in intimidation to deter members from participating in collective bargaining efforts. The NLRB has acknowledged the merit in these claims, with a hearing scheduled for 2026 to further address the allegations.
Leadership within the guild has emphasized the importance of advocating for the livelihoods of its members alongside the brand integrity of the Times itself. Union members have reported not receiving cost-of-living increases since approximately 2021, further contributing to the current unrest within the organization.
The L.A. Times Guild was founded in 2018, shortly before the paper was acquired by Patrick Soon-Shiong. Its first contract was negotiated in 2019. Since then, the competitive landscape for journalism within Los Angeles has evolved, with new media outlets entering the market while the Times grapples with budgetary cuts and operational constraints.
The guild’s next bargaining session is set for October 14, where members hope to achieve progress in their negotiations with management. The outcome of this session and future discussions could determine whether the authorized strike will be initiated.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
L.A. Times Journalists Vote to Authorize Strike Amid Negotiations
Los Angeles Times Media Group Plans to Go Public Amid Strike
Tense Standoff at Los Angeles City Hall After Car Crash
Starbucks Workers Rally for Contract Negotiations in Los Angeles
Los Angeles School Board Extends Superintendent’s Contract
Los Angeles Advances Wage Increase for Hotel and Airport Workers
Labor Day Rallies in Wilmington Challenge Wealth Influence
Additional Resources
- The Wrap
- LAist
- Hollywood Reporter
- Reuters
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: Los Angeles Times strike
- Google Scholar: Los Angeles Times union
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles Times
- Google News: Los Angeles Times news
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
