Get the latest gossip

New York Times ‘Needle’ Election Predictor Launches Amid Tech Workers Union Strike


The New York Times' Needle election prediction made its debut on election night despite the strike called by the union representing tech employees.

As more results come in, the Needle changes to signal the likelihood of the final outcome of a given race — with “tossup” at the center position, with gradations marked “leaning,” “likely” and “very likely” on either side for the Democratic and Republican candidates. In an article on its website, the Times noted, “Publishing the Needle live on election night relies on computer systems maintained by engineers across the company, including some who are currently on strike. On Monday, The Times Tech Guild, which represents more than 600 engineers, data managers, designers, software developers and tech personnel at the paper, announced they had gone on strike after failing to reach a new contract with the New York Times Co. after “multiple rounds of intense bargaining.” The union, affiliated with the NewsGuild of New York, accused the company of unfair labor practices.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Variety

Read more on:

Photo of tech workers’ union

tech workers’ union