• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 2, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

Labor Union Hits Back at New York Times For Sports Desk Shutdown

  • NewsGuild files complaint alleging replacement of union labor with non-unionized personnel.
  • Outcome could have far-reaching ramifications for the newspaper.
The New York Times disbands sports section.
Wire Photo Archives

The New York Times’ shuttering of its sports desk has now led — as expected — to a formal labor grievance.

The NewsGuild of New York has accused the newspaper of violating its recently completed union contract, specifically by replacing sports coverage from union-member sports department staffers with personnel from The Athletic, which isn’t unionized (and has had its own struggles).

“The company is claiming it has the right to subcontract to itself and have non-union workers do union work without the same job protections, wages, and other benefits we have fought so hard to preserve,” the union said. “These claims are preposterous on their face and a brazen attempt at union-busting.”

The Times has 20 days to respond to the grievance. If the newspaper denies the charges, as is likely, the NewsGuild will then have 45 days to seek an arbitration hearing. And that hearing could have significant ramifications.

Siding with the NewsGuild would force the Times to return to union members for sports coverage, while a decision for the Times could lead to similar moves in other sections of the newspaper. A middle ground could also arrive through a settlement potentially including a unionization of The Athletic.

Kravitz Sounds Off

Veteran sports journalist Bob Kravitz began a Substack column on Thursday, and his first post offered a bitter diatribe on his time at The Athletic, including the revelation that he was placed on probation shortly after quadruple-bypass surgery.

“I felt it in my bones: they don’t give a f— about me as a human being,” Kravitz wrote.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rays’ Future Uncertain As Tropicana Field Repairs Begin

The Rays still don’t know where they will play in 2025.

Comcast’s Olympic Gold: Paris Games Spark Surge in Peacock Subscribers

Company revenue and Peacock subscriptions rise thanks to a big Olympics boost.

Florida-Georgia Game Hits the Road Amid $1.4B Stadium Renovation

EverBank Stadium will have reduced capacity in 2026 and be closed in 2027.

Lululemon-Fanatics Collab With NHL Sees ‘Explosive’ First-Day Sales

The premium collection made up 80% of all NHL merch sales.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

First-Ever 12-Team CFP Takes Shape

0:00

Featured Today

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shakes hands while entering the locker room after a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
October 28, 2024

NIL Director Is the Trendy New Job in College Sports. But the Role Is Chaos

Athletic departments nationwide are hiring for what’s become their most important position.
FuboTV signage
opinion
October 26, 2024

Fubo’s Fight Against Streaming Giants Feels Futile

Fubo notched a legal win, but subs and stock still slump.
Fubo-TV

Fubo Reports 9% Subscriber Growth As Venu Sports Trial Looms

The sports-focused streamer grew revenue by 21%.
October 31, 2024

World Series Delivers 7-Year Ratings Record, Marking MLB’s Big Comeback

Viewership of the five-game win by the Dodgers soared by 74% over last year.
Adam Schefter
November 1, 2024

Adam Schefter Uses Same Pirated NFL Clips As Everyone Else

ESPN’s NFL insider posted a video from an illegal stream Thursday night.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
October 30, 2024

World Series Game 4 Draws 16.7M Viewers, Up 92% From 2023

The average audience of 16.7 million nearly doubles the comparable figure from last year.
October 30, 2024

Controversy, Championship Battles Keep F1 Viewers Tuned In

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen had a controversial encounter again Sunday.
October 30, 2024

NFL TV Ratings Up and Down in October As Election Draws Near

The NFL took an 8% ratings hit around the 2016 presidential cycle.
October 29, 2024

Baseball Wins the Night: World Series Outdraws ‘Monday Night Football’

MLB gains a rare head-to-head viewership win over the NFL.