New York Magazine Union's Statement on Vox Media Layoffs

Vox Media announced today it will be laying off members of the New York Magazine Union, despite cost-saving alternatives that would have saved jobs across the company. This includes a number of members who had already been furloughed or were working reduced hours for the last three months. We are deeply disappointed by management’s unwillingness to pursue other options — such as workshare or continued salary reductions — that would ensure New York Magazine is able to deliver the critical content that our readers are relying on now more than ever.

Every single one of our members plays a key role in creating this magazine, and we made sure that management understood this as we fought their targeted cuts. We were able to negotiate fewer layoffs than management initially proposed, but it is disturbing that, despite previously insisting the union would be given ample time to discuss and negotiate any potential layoffs, management chose to wait until the 11th hour to inform our union. This is no way to behave toward your staff during a pandemic.

The New York Magazine Union is currently bargaining to secure the strongest possible severance package for our affected members. We expect that management will come to the table with nothing less than the same goal.