According to TechCrunch, the CEO of AI search company Perplexity, Aravind Srinivas, has proposed to cross picket lines to assist the New York Times (NYT) during a strike by its tech workers. The NYT Tech Guild announced the strike, which began after setting a deadline of November 4. The workers involved provide essential software support and data analysis for the Times' business operations. They are demanding a 2.5% annual wage increase and the formalization of a two-day in-office workweek, among other requests. The guild expressed frustration over the company's refusal to agree to a fair contract, accusing it of unfair labor practices. Kathy Zhang, the unit chair, emphasized the necessity of demonstrating their labor power through the strike.
NYT's publisher, AG Sulzberger, criticized the timing of the strike, noting its proximity to the U.S. presidential election. He highlighted the importance of the Times' journalism during this period and expressed concern over the Tech Guild's decision to strike at such a critical time. As negotiations continued, picketers gathered outside the NYT building in New York. Meanwhile, on X, formerly known as Twitter, Srinivas offered Perplexity's services to support the Times during the strike. He reached out to AG Sulzberger, expressing readiness to ensure the availability of essential coverage during the election. This offer was met with criticism on X, with many accusing Srinivas of being a 'scab,' a term used for individuals willing to work in place of striking workers, which is often viewed negatively in labor disputes.
Srinivas clarified that the offer was not intended to replace journalists or engineers with AI but to provide technical infrastructure support on a high-traffic day. However, the striking workers are responsible for these services at the NYT, raising questions about what Perplexity could offer without replacing them. The relationship between NYT and Perplexity has been strained, with the Times issuing a cease and desist letter to Perplexity in October over the startup's use of its articles for AI model training. Despite the controversy, Srinivas maintains that the intention was to ensure the public has access to necessary information on election day, aligning with Perplexity's recent launch of an elections info hub and map. Nonetheless, the offer to step in for striking workers remains contentious.