Hundreds of journalists and other New York Times employees began a 24-hour strike on Thursday, the first such strike in more than 40 years.

Newsroom staff and other members of The NewsGuild in New York say they have grown tired of protracted negotiations since their last contracts expired in March 2021. The union had previously announced that more than 1,100 employees would go on a 24-hour strike starting at 12 a.m. Thursday, unless the two sides reached a contractual agreement.

NewsGuild tweeted on Thursday morning that the workers “have now officially stopped working, the first time of this magnitude at the company in 4 decades. Refusing to do what you love is never an easy decision, but our members are willing to do what it takes to achieve a better newsroom for everyone.

Negotiations took place on Tuesday and part of Wednesday, but the sides remain far apart on issues such as wage increases and telework policy.

On Wednesday night, the union said via Twitter that no deal had been reached and the protest was ongoing. "We were ready to work as long as a fair deal was reached," he said, "but management left the table with five hours left."

“We know our values,” the union added.

But New York Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha said in a statement that they were still negotiating when they learned the strike was underway.

"It is disappointing that they take such an extreme step when we are not at an impasse," she said.

It is unclear how Thursday's coverage will be affected, but strike advocates include members of the fast-paced Live News Desk, which specializes in breaking news for digital newspapers. The staff planned a rally that afternoon outside the newspaper's offices near Times Square.

Rhoades Ha told The Associated Press that the company has "firm plans" to continue producing content, including relying on international reporters and other non-union journalists.

In a memo sent to employees represented by the association on Tuesday night, deputy editor Cliff Levy called the planned strike "confusing" and a "troublesome time in the new contract negotiations". He said it would be the bargaining unit's first strike since 1981 and "take place despite the company's intensified efforts to make progress".

But in a letter signed by more than 1,000 employees, NewsGuild said management had been "delayed" in negotiations for nearly two years and "time is running out to reach a public agreement." equals" so far. five.

NewsGuild also said the company has told employees considering a strike that they will not be paid for the duration of the strike. Members were also required to work overtime to get work done before the strike, according to the union.

The New York Times has seen other shorter strikes in recent years, including a half-day protest in August by a new union representing public workers. technology has declared unfair labor practices.

In a breakthrough that both sides consider important, the company has withdrawn its proposal to replace its current adjustable retirement plan with an enhanced 401(k) plan. Instead, The Times suggested letting the union choose between the two. The company has also agreed to expand the benefits of fertility treatment.

Levy said the company is also offering a 5.5% salary increase at contract signing, followed by 3% increases in 2023 and 2024. This would be an uptick from the 2.2% year-on-year gain of the expired contract.

Stacy Cowley, a finance reporter, and union representative said the union is asking for a 10% pay increase following approval, which she said would make up for the increases not received over the past two years.

She also said the union wants the contract to guarantee employees the ability to work remotely part of the time if their role allows it, but the company wants the right to call workers back to the office. full-time job. Cowley said the Times requires its employees to be in the office three days a week, but many are less likely to show up at an informal protest.