Mashable, PCMag staffers stage 24-hour walkout

Unionized editorial employees at Ziff Davis — Mashable, PCMag and AskMen — are walking off the job for 24 hours on Thursday, arguing that the management is not bargaining in good faith.

The workers are holding a digital rally at 12:30 p.m. ET.

The News Guild of New York has filed several unfair labor practices against management’s behavior. The union says that the company continues to undermine negotiations by ignoring critical requests for information and circumventing the union by illegal “direct dealing” with employees.

Wages have become a critical issue at Ziff Davis. Recently, some staff members appealed to company leaders, telling personal stories about what their life is like living on paltry wages. One employee described relying on the company pantry for breakfast and dinner because they could not afford food between paying rent and other necessary expenses.

Guild members at Ziff Davis have been bargaining their first contract. Ziff Davis members organized in 2018 and the union was voluntarily recognized within two weeks of its announcement.

Workers have spent the past two years working to secure a contract that reflects the value of their work. Notably, members fought for and won just cause, no exceptions after management refused to negotiate over equitable and transparent job security.