NYT pick ‘Needle’ may not be available during tech worker strike

On November 6, 2024By Littum

The New York Times Tech Guild went on strike Monday morning.

The New York Times People’s Choice “Needle” may not be available on election night as the publication’s technology guild remains on strike.

The The needle of the times estimates the final outcome of an election based on partial election results – all displayed on an interactive model. As more votes are counted, the needle becomes more “certain” in the final outcome of the election.

The Times’ pin was first introduced in 2016 and may not be available on election night this year because The Times Tech Guild, which represents more than 700 software engineers, designers, data analysts and product managers, has been on strike since Monday. Many of these people help steer the needle.

In one history published by the Times on Tuesday, the publication addressed what might happen if the strike continues into Tuesday night.

“If we’re unable to live stream the needle’s results, our reporters plan to run its statistical model periodically, examine its output, and post updates in our live blog about what they’re seeing — giving our readers a sense of where the race is actually over for the night.” wrote the team.

How does the needle work?

The needle, according to The timesconsiders where votes remain to be counted in a particular race and which candidate is doing better than expected.

“As the results start to come in, Needle compares what’s being reported with pre-election expectations, county by county and precinct by precinct,” wrote the Times’ election analysis team on Tuesday. “It then estimates who will win the remaining vote based on patterns it has seen in the results so far.”

Pre-election expectations are compiled from New York Times/Siena College polls, other public opinion polls, voter registration files, the US Census and past election results.

Using a statistical model, the needle adjusts its noted expectations when it starts receiving results. Area data helps the needle remain the most accurate, as areas represent the smallest geographic units.

The Times collects unofficial election results from local, state and federal agencies across the country to “feed” the needle.

Why is Times Tech Guild Striking?

In one post made on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the Times Tech Guild shared a graphic of their own “Needle” predicting the chance of a fair contract. The graphic reads: “Strike. 100% chance of work stoppage.”

Joe Van Acker, a program manager at the Times, has been vocal about the guild’s negotiations with the company through the tech guild’s social media.

“Supporting the newsroom on election night was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, but one I will happily sacrifice with my colleagues in pursuit of a fair contract,” Acker said in a declarationshared by the guild of X.

The Times Tech Guild union in March 2022 and continues to finalize its first contract.

In talks since late Sunday, the union is interested in adding a “just cause” clause to its contract, meaning employees can only be fired for misconduct or some other such reason. The guild is also asking for a pay rise, pay equality and a return to the office.

On Sunday, Times management offered workers a 2.5% annual pay raise, a minimum 5% raise for promotions and a $1,000 ratification bonus, according to Times. The offer also maintained the current work requirements in the office, which are two days a week until June, while allowing employees to work remotely for three weeks a year.

“We are disappointed that Tech Guild leadership is trying to jeopardize our journalistic mission at this critical time,” Times chief growth and client officer Hannah Yang and chief technology officer Jason Sobel said in an email to workers. published by the Times.

Greta Cross is a national trends reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].