Condé Nast has reached a tentative agreement on a contract with the union representing employees of the publisher’s glossy magazines, avoiding the possibility of staffers picketing the Met Gala on Monday night. The union had threatened to cause a scene at the fundraiser over the weekend. The agreement was announced by Condé Nast Chief People Officer Stan Duncan on Sunday night, expressing pleasure in coming to terms with the union.
The union, which represents more than 500 employees at publications such as Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, and more, expressed excitement over the agreement ahead of the Met Gala. They had pledged to do “whatever it takes” to secure the contract. Some of the wins negotiated by the union include a minimum base salary of $61,500, expanded bereavement and family leave, and $3.3 million in total wage increases. They also secured eight weeks of severance for employees on the layoff list and three months of COBRA coverage.
The union’s announcement of the tentative agreement with Condé Nast highlighted their persistent fight for their rights and the best possible win. Ratification of the agreement was set to take place in the following week. The union had been vocal about their displeasure with management’s focus on layoffs and what they deemed as insulting contract proposals, such as a low minimum salary offer that wouldn’t go into effect until the following year.
The agreement between Condé Nast and the union comes just in time for Monday night’s Met Gala, which is hosted by Anna Wintour of Vogue. The union, part of the NewsGuild of New York, had been prepared to take action, with their social media posts showing their readiness to strike and their determination to secure a fair contract for their members. The negotiation process between the two parties concluded with a deal that addressed the concerns and demands of the union representing employees across various Condé Nast publications.
In summary, the tentative agreement on a contract between Condé Nast and the union representing magazine employees was reached just before the Met Gala, averting potential picketing by staffers. The union secured wins such as increased salaries, expanded leave benefits, and severance packages for laid-off employees. The agreement was a result of the union’s persistent fight for their rights and fair treatment by management. The deal was set for ratification following the Gala, marking a significant step in ensuring better working conditions and compensation for employees across Condé Nast publications.
