The unionized editorial workers at LexisNexis-owned Law360 went on strike at midnight after the union was not able to reach an agreement on a new contract with management.
The Law360 Union — which is represented by The NewsGuild of New York — has been preparing to strike since taking a formal authorization vote in February.
The union said “significant barriers remain.”
Contract negotiations between the union, which represents about 250 workers, and LexisNexis began on Nov. 17, 2022. The union’s current contract expired on Dec. 31, 2022.
Earlier this year, Law360 management laid off 26 Guild-represented newsroom staff, announcing layoff plans hours after LexisNexis officials congratulated themselves on earning record profits in 2023. The NY Guild is challenging the layoffs at the National Labor Relations Board as a violation of the company’s obligation to maintain the status quo of the expired collective bargaining agreement.
In addition, the union presented a health insurance plan alternative that would save both union members and management significant amounts of money. Despite hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings, management immediately objected to the plan on the basis that implementing the plan would be “too difficult” and they would no longer control its terms — an argument that rings hollow given that their current level of control over insurance rates has resulted in unprecedented cost increases for both sides.
Management is seeking seeking salary minimums that range from $11,250 to $21,000 lower than worker-proposed minimums.
The strike comes just before one of the busiest times — the start of the U.S. Supreme Court session in October — for Law360 staff.
