| November 6, 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI search company Perplexity, offered his company’s services to support The New York Times during a recent labor strike by tech workers. The NYT Tech Guild, representing tech workers critical to the newspaper’s operations, had been calling for wage increases and fair treatment but ultimately initiated a strike after negotiations stalled.
NYT Tech Guild’s Demands and Justification for the Strike
The NYT Tech Guild, which provides essential software support and data analysis for The Times, called for an annual 2.5% wage increase and a commitment to flexible work arrangements. Guild representatives expressed frustration at management’s unwillingness to meet their demands, claiming the strike was necessary to highlight the value of their work.
Perplexity’s Offer Sparks Debate
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Srinivas extended an offer to the Times, stating that Perplexity was ready to step in to “help ensure essential coverage” during the election. While Srinivas later clarified that Perplexity was not offering to replace journalists but to provide infrastructure support, the gesture was perceived by many as undermining the union’s efforts.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Public reactions were swift and polarized. Some criticized Srinivas for “scabbing,” a term for individuals or entities that replace striking workers. By offering services to support The Times during the strike, Srinivas appeared to be undercutting the guild’s bargaining power. Others, however, acknowledged the importance of maintaining reliable news coverage during critical events like the U.S. election.
Perplexity’s Controversial Relationship with NYT
Adding fuel to the fire, The New York Times had previously sent Perplexity a cease and desist letter, accusing the company of scraping its content for AI training purposes. This ongoing legal conflict casts further scrutiny on Perplexity’s actions and raises ethical questions about AI’s role in journalism.
