• by Ray Schultz , 4 hours ago

Journalists at the Los Angeles Times have voted to support a potential strike over the failure to reach a new contract in three years of talks, according to the LA Times Guild. 

Of the roughly 200 staffers who voted, 85% supported the strike, the union reports. 

“These negotiations have dragged on for far too long, and today’s vote results show that our members are fed up,” says Matt Hamilton, an investigator reporter and chair of the L.A. Times Guild.  “Now is the time for management to come to the table with a proposal that is truly fair for our members and helps restore The Times.”

The Times has experienced layoffs and buyouts during the three years, and is now down to slightly more than 200 Guild members from 450 in 2022, the union says. 

This is occurring as the Times is selling shares in a step toward an initial public offering.  

The paper’s owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, announced Thursday that he is seeking to raise $500 million for the Los Angeles Times Media Group.  

Soon-Shiong contends that the Times will maintain “a steadfast commitment to rigorous, independent journalism and to the diversity of voices that reflect and strengthen the communities we serve,” according to The New York Times.