BULLETIN 10
March 15, 2007
After two days of caucus, NABET-CWA and ABC, Inc. negotiators resumed talks today at 10:00 A.M.
A lengthy and spirited discussion of ABC's proposal to allow layoffs without regard to seniority took place during today's session. The NABET-CWA Network Negotiating Committee took the Company to task for insisting that the current seniority system, which has served the interest of both parties for more than 60 years, must now be degraded to essentially "at will" employment. Under the Company's proposal, long term employees would be subject to dismissal from employment without regard or consideration for the employee's long years of loyal and productive service. Dave Davis, President and General Manager of WABC-TV, dismissed the current seniority system as "an artificial job protection system." NABET-CWA negotiators responded strongly that seniority is a cornerstone of the relationship between NABET-CWA represented employees and ABC. The NABET-CWA Bargaining Committee made it clear that we are not interested in any proposal that would place employee's future job security at the mercy of the goodwill of Company managers.
Earlier in the session, Local 51 President Kevin Wilson presented a compelling Powerpoint presentation that demonstrated that KGO employees have dramatically failed to keep pace with the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area and with the wages, penalties and working conditions of their peers in the San Francisco TV market. President Wilson's presentation supported the Union's proposal to eliminate the sub-standard wages and working conditions that currently apply to KGO Radio and TV employees.
In other developments today, the Union and the Company presented a series of modifications and withdrawals from their respective initial proposal packages. In addition, both sides withdrew all proposals on Article VI (Transfer of Work).
Talks concluded today at 4:30 P.M. The parties will caucus on Friday to review today's proposal exchange. Negotiations are scheduled to resume Monday, March 19th, when the 'P' (Plant Maintenance), 'T' (Los Angeles Radio Program Coordinators), and 'X' (New York Radio Talent/Telephone Coordinators) contracts will be discussed.
The Union Bargaining Committee reminds all members to ignore rumors. All official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the Sector website at www.abc-contract.info. Please also check Local websites, hotlines, and e-mail for additional information.
NABET-CWA Network Negotiating Committee
For an archive of all bulletins, go to www.abc-contract.info/barg_mobe/.
