BULLETIN 14
March 22, 2007
The parties met today at 10 A.M. to discuss the 'D' (New York Desk Assistants), 'F' (San Francisco Newswriters and Producers), 'K' (Chicago Newswriters) and 'O' (Los Angeles Newswriters) Agreements.
Immediately following these discussions, NABET-CWA President and Chief Spokesperson John S. Clark informed the Company that the Union Bargaining Committee, over the past two days, had assessed the totality of ABC's proposals. That review found nothing but Company attacks on the seniority system, attacks on the pension, despite the Plan being financially healthy, attacks on jurisdiction, attacks on the paid meal period, and attacks on a multitude of other work rules and conditions. Clark went on to say that, coupled with ABC's apparent refusal to seriously consider more work opportunities for NABET-CWA members, the Company's current proposals would have a devastating impact on our members' future well-being. President Clark continued by characterizing ABC's bargaining stance, since the beginning of these negotiations three weeks ago, as undermining the last three years of successes the Union and the Company had built together, with groundbreaking agreements such as the ESPN Time-Buy Agreement.
President Clark concluded by telling ABC representatives that the Company's actions here have "led us, firmly and unanimously to the conclusion that no mutually positive outcome will result from continuing these negotiations at this time. Therefore, we have determined that for the immediate future our time would be best spent educating our members on the potentially devastating effect your proposals would have on them and their future security, both at work and in retirement. Consequently, we will be leaving Tysons Corner over the next several days, so preparations for that education process can be made. We will contact you at some point in the future to discuss the resumption of these negotiations."
Before Company representatives exited from the meeting room, they heard from the rest of the NABET-CWA Network Negotiating Committee. "In totality, your proposals amount to a declaration of war" stated Gene Maxwell, President of Local 16 (New York). "All of your proposals show an underlying lack of respect for our members," added Ray Taylor, President of Local 41 (Chicago). Maurice Thomas, Recording Secretary for Local 31 (Washington, D.C), noted "we came here to bargain for a secure future and retirement. The Company can do better." Charles Braico, Vice President of Local 41 (Chicago) stated "These proposals leave us with a profound sense of betrayal, and you are causing this relationship to deteriorate very quickly." Jim Joyce, NABET-CWA Vice President told the Company Committee that "your pension proposal will pull the rug out from underneath people and it is deplorable."
Talks are recessed until further notice. Over the next few days, the Union Bargaining Committee will prepare for the membership a more comprehensive communication detailing the current status of negotiations. In addition, Locals 16, 31, 41, 51, and 57 are making arrangements to hold membership meetings in their respective cities.
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/.
