Condé Nast and Union Reach Historic Labor Agreement
After a year and a half of negotiations, Condé Nast and a union representing hundreds of its workers have finally reached a historic labor agreement. The ratification vote, which took place on Tuesday, saw an overwhelming 97 percent of Condé Union members voting in favor of the three-year deal announced by negotiators on May 6.
The agreement, which prevented a potential strike at the May 6 Met Gala, includes significant wage increases totaling $3.6 million and the conversion of company permalancers into full-time staff members, as reported by the union. The contract covers approximately 550 Condé Nast workers across various publications such as Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, Bon Appétit, and more.
In addition to the wage gains and permalancer changes, the new contract also provides two extra weeks of paid parental leave, establishes “just cause” for disciplinary actions by management, guarantees “comp time” for working over 40 hours a week, and expands bereavement policies to include both biological and chosen family members.
The road to this agreement was not without its challenges, with tensions escalating during negotiations over a major round of layoffs announced by the company in November 2023. The union’s determination to secure a fair contract led to a 24-hour strike in January, culminating in the last-minute agreement before the Met Gala.
Bon Appétit culinary producer Mallary Santucci, also the interim vp of the Condé Nast Entertainment bargaining unit, expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of the bargaining team and emphasized the positive impact the contract will have on all members’ lives.
As the news of this historic labor agreement spreads, The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Condé Nast for further comments on this significant development.