NABET-CWA and ABC, Inc. negotiators opened talks today in Tysons Corner, Virginia to begin bargaining on a contract to replace the one that is expiring on March 31, 2007.
Sector President John S. Clark, chief spokesperson for the Union in these talks, delivered an opening statement to ABC representatives on behalf of the NABET-CWA bargaining committee. In his remarks, President Clark commented on the recent increased success of the Company and the fact that NABET-CWA members working at ABC have significantly contributed to that success. "There's an opportunity now for us – ABC and NABET-CWA – to move quickly during these negotiations to capitalize on the successes we've built together since 2003, and work to build an even more successful future together – a future where the talents, dedication and professionalism of our members will be appreciated and nurtured and used productively and creatively to the greatest extent possible," Clark stated. He also called upon the Company to use its time here with the Union "prudently and productively in an attempt to resolve real issues of great importance" and not to get "bogged down over mean-spirited proposals demanding change for change's sake."
The Union's primary goals in these negotiations were also outlined to the Company. President Clark listed increased job security, increased work opportunities involving new technologies, and significantly increased wages as being high priority goals in these talks. Other goals include increased stabilization and preservation of the pension plan, while also seeking increased pension benefits for current and future retirees. Clark went on to say, "Important, as well, is the issue of retiree medical benefits."
Joining President Clark at the table for NABET-CWA were Negotiating Committee members Gene Maxwell (President, Local 16, New York City), Maurice Thomas (Recording Secretary, Local 31, Washington, D.C.), Ray Taylor (President, Local 41, Chicago), Kevin Wilson (President, Local 51, San Francisco), and Richard Daszkowski (President, Local 57, Los Angeles). Also present for the Union were Sector Vice President Jim Joyce, Carl Mayers (President, Local 31 Washington, D.C.), Mike Croke (Daily Hire Representative, Local 31, Washington, D.C.), Charles Braico (Vice President, Local 41, Chicago), Assistant to the Sector President Dan Mahoney, and Sector Legal Counsel Matt Harris. In a show of solidarity, AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America East also sent representatives to join the NABET-CWA negotiating team at this opening session.
ABC opening statements were then delivered by Walter Liss (President, ABC Owned TV Stations Group), Preston Davis (President, ABC Broadcast Operations and Engineering) and Company Spokesperson Jeffrey Ruthizer (Senior Vice President, ABC Labor Relations).
After opening remarks were completed, the parties exchanged initial proposal packages and then caucused separately for the rest of the day to review these proposals.
President Clark's opening statement, as well as the Union's contract proposals are posted on the web at www.abc-contract.info. Company proposals will be posted after ABC provides an electronic version of its initial package.
The Union Bargaining Committee reminds all members to ignore rumors. All official negotiations and mobilization information will be delivered on Sector and Local websites, hotlines, and e-mail lists.
NABET-CWA Network Negotiating Committee
