Vox Media Union authorizes potential strike of 350 employees

Vox Media Union has taken a step towards a potential strike as the expiration date of the current contract draws near.

The governing council at the Writers Guild of America, East, which represents approximately 350 editorial and video employees at the Polygon, the Verge and Eater, voted to authorize a strike for union members to start at 12 a.m. ET on June 13, when the contract expires.

The action does not set a strike in motion but rather gives approval for a strike.

WGA East president Michael Winship said:

“The council of the Writers Guild of America, East takes strike authorization votes very seriously. Almost every one of us has experienced the stress of a work stoppage. But we also fully understand the issues our members are fighting for at the bargaining table — from fair pay increases to successorship language protecting workers if their employing company is sold. Therefore, unanimously, we have voted to authorize a strike should the company not agree to a fair contract by June 13 at 12:00am ET.”