Medium Empowers Employees to Join National Strike Against ICE
In a bold move reflecting its commitment to social justice, Medium’s CEO, Tony Stubblebine, has granted employees the option to take Friday off to participate in a nationwide general strike protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision underscores Medium’s dedication to supporting its workforce’s civic engagement and the broader movement advocating for the defunding of ICE.
The upcoming strike, organized by activists, calls for a day of no work, no school, and no shopping to protest ICE’s intensified operations in U.S. cities. These operations have led to several fatalities, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens earlier this month in Minneapolis. The strike aims to draw attention to these issues and push for significant policy changes.
In a company-wide Slack message, Stubblebine emphasized that participation in the strike is entirely voluntary and left to individual discretion. He stated, Whether or not you want to fully take the day away from work, or do a partial work day, or orient your work towards something that feels aligned to the goals of the strike, that is up to you. This approach respects personal choices while acknowledging the importance of the cause.
Stubblebine clarified that Medium does not intend to dictate its employees’ political views. Instead, the company aims to support those who choose to engage in the strike. To ensure uninterrupted operations, Medium plans to coordinate with necessary teams to maintain business continuity during the protest.
This decision aligns with a growing trend among tech companies and leaders taking a stand against ICE’s actions. Notably, Google DeepMind’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean, has been vocal in his opposition to ICE. However, this stance contrasts with other tech executives who have recently sought favor with the Trump administration. For instance, Apple CEO Tim Cook faced criticism for attending the screening of the Amazon MGM Studios-produced Melania documentary on the same day federal border control agents fatally shot ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
The tech industry’s response to ICE’s activities has been mixed. While some leaders have remained silent or engaged with the administration, many rank-and-file employees have actively demanded that ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) withdraw from U.S. cities. This sentiment was evident in an open letter signed by over 500 tech industry workers, urging their CEOs to advocate for the removal of ICE from urban areas.
Stubblebine’s message to Medium employees reflects a clear stance on the issue. He stated that Medium has a responsibility to make its stance clear, especially as other tech organizations are contributing to the Trump campaign. He emphasized that Medium’s platform is designed to elevate truth and diverse voices, rather than promote hateful content or racism.
Furthermore, Stubblebine reiterated Medium’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This commitment comes in response to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle such policies through executive orders, elimination of DEI positions in the federal workforce, curriculum changes, and legal challenges. Stubblebine noted, Our business thrives when the country thrives, and so being out there representing is good for [our] mission.
Medium’s decision to support employee participation in the strike is a significant example of a tech company aligning its corporate values with social activism. By empowering its workforce to engage in civic action, Medium not only supports its employees’ rights but also contributes to the broader discourse on immigration enforcement and human rights.
