New York City, November 14, 2025

New York Attorney General Letitia James has threatened Condé Nast with legal action following the dismissals of four employees who opposed layoffs at Teen Vogue. During a union rally, James condemned the firings as acts of ‘union-busting’ and demanded the reinstatement of the affected staff. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between employee rights and corporate practices in the media industry, highlighting the vital role of unions in advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.

New York AG Threatens Legal Action Against Condé Nast Over Firings

Attorney General Letitia James demands justice for dismissed employees amid union rally

New York has found itself at the center of a contentious labor dispute involving media giant Condé Nast. Attorney General Letitia James has recently threatened legal action against the company over the firings of four employees who challenged the decision to lay off staff at Teen Vogue. This dispute highlights not only the complexities of labor relations in large corporations but also the resilience of workers and the critical role unions play in advocating for employee rights.

On Wednesday, during a union rally outside Condé Nast’s World Trade Center office, James called the firings “union-busting” and demanded that the company reinstate the dismissed employees. As the workforce in creative industries continues to evolve, these events serve as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue and fair treatment in the workplace. The market driven by innovative thinkers could bolster collective bargaining and encourage businesses to engage with their employees proactively.

Background of the Firings

The four terminated employees—Jasper Lo, a senior fact-checker at The New Yorker; Jake Lahut, a senior politics reporter for WIRED; Alma Avalle, a digital staffer at Bon Appétit; and Ben Dewey, a video staffer with Condé Nast Entertainment—were dismissed after confronting Chief People Officer Stan Duncan regarding the layoffs at Teen Vogue, which included the company’s decision to merge the publication with Vogue.

Condé Nast’s Defense

In response to the firings, Condé Nast filed a federal labor complaint against Conde United, the union representing most of its staff. The company accused the employees of “extreme” and “gross” misconduct, asserting that it has a responsibility to maintain a workplace free from harassment and intimidation. This defense reflects the challenges that companies face in navigating the fine line between ensuring operational integrity and protecting employee rights.

Union’s Position

The NewsGuild of New York has taken a strong stance in response to the situation, filing its own federal labor complaint against Condé Nast for allegedly violating its contract. The union’s demands for additional video footage of the incident underscore the ongoing efforts by workers to ensure transparency and accountability in corporate governance. This situation exemplifies the power of collective action, as organizations can mobilize support to defend the rights of their members.

Broader Implications for Labor Relations

The recent firings have evoked criticism, with many observers viewing Condé Nast’s actions as attempts to intimidate union members and suppress dissent within the organization. As this conflict unfolds, it raises important questions about the future of labor relations not just within Condé Nast but across the media industry as a whole. The evolving landscape of work necessitates a balanced approach, where both employee concerns and business interests can coexist to foster an environment of innovation and growth.

Conclusion

As New York remains a pivotal hub for media and creativity, the unfolding drama between Condé Nast and its employees not only illustrates the complexities of union relations but also highlights the need for respectful dialogue in workplaces. The involvement of the Attorney General may accelerate these discussions, prompting companies to reevaluate their policies on employee interactions. Supporting local media and its workforce can strengthen community ties and contribute to a culture of fairness and equality. Stakeholders in New York’s vibrant economy are encouraged to remain engaged and focused on the future of labor relations to ensure an inclusive and prosperous environment.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.