A tense confrontation unfolded at Condé Nast, the publishing giant behind magazines like The New Yorker and WIRED, when a group of employees cornered their head of human resources over recent layoffs.
The incident, captured on video, shows approximately twenty editorial staffers from the Condé United union following Stan Duncan, the company’s chief people officer, down a hallway outside his office at 1 World Trade Center. They sought answers and voiced their discontent, but Duncan reportedly declined to engage in discussion.
The company characterized the employees’ actions as “extreme misconduct,” citing aggressive and disruptive behavior. They swiftly terminated the employment of four individuals involved: Jasper Lo, Jake Lahut, Alma Avalle, and Ben Dewey.
Condé Nast didn’t stop at firings. They also filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against the NewsGuild of New York, the parent union of Condé United, alleging a breach of contract. The company emphasized its commitment to a respectful workplace free from harassment and intimidation.
The video reveals a heated exchange, though the company maintains the employees did not exhibit the level of misconduct they initially claimed. The staffers attempted to engage Duncan, but he continued to direct them back to work, creating a palpable sense of tension in the hallway.
Observers have noted a pattern in this type of protest, suggesting it reflects tactics learned in academic environments where direct confrontation and public pressure are sometimes employed to achieve desired outcomes. The incident has sparked debate about the boundaries of workplace activism.
Some commentators argue that such displays of “hecktoring” should have been addressed years ago, while others see it as a symptom of broader societal trends and a sense of entitlement. The situation highlights the complex dynamics between employers and employees in a rapidly changing work landscape.
The fallout from this confrontation raises questions about the limits of acceptable protest within a professional setting and the potential consequences for those who cross the line. It’s a stark illustration of the challenges companies face in navigating employee discontent and maintaining a productive work environment.
