CLEAN : "We did not want it to come to this": New York Times workers stage first strike in 40 years

The transcript discusses a protest by New York Times Guild employees demanding a fair contract with better wages, a commitment to diversity, and improved working conditions. The employees emphasize the need for a salary floor of $65,000 due to the high cost of living in New York City. Despite not wanting to strike, they feel compelled to act as management has not been responsive. The union has been without a contract for 20 months, working through COVID without raises, while the company remains profitable.

What are the main reasons the employees are demanding a new contract?

How has the company's profitability affected the employees' contract negotiations?

What specific salary floor are the employees advocating for, and why is it significant?

Describe the impact of inflation on the employees' wages as mentioned in the text.

What actions have the employees taken prior to the strike, and what was their purpose?