BULLETIN 32
August 24, 2007
In a disappointing and unfortunate move, at this stage of the negotiations, ABC Chief Spokesperson Jeffrey Ruthizer threw down Mickey's hammer upon the Company's NABET-CWA-represented employees at the beginning of today's afternoon session. The Comprehensive Proposal Package given to the Union Committee by the Company, while containing some minor improvements in a few areas for the rank and file, still contains an unprecedented number of extremely destructive proposals; including the virtual elimination of seniority in the "A" Engineering contract, a hard freeze of the pension plan (which could reduce retirement benefits by up to 40%), elimination of library jurisdiction , major expansions in the use of digital cameras by non-bargaining unit personnel (including in the studio), elimination of exclusive jurisdiction in Station Master Control/Break Studios and Central Switching (Washington, D.C.), a 25% increase in the use of vendor employees on remotes, transferring certain college football production to ESPN, and the expansion of the "opportunity to eat" to additional operating areas.
In response to the Company's Comprehensive Proposal Package, Local 41 President Ray Taylor exclaimed, "We will not abandon our members. Your approach is unethical. For 'family friendly' Disney to come in and take away all of this from our members -- you not only want to take the gold out of our teeth, you want to charge us for it too."
When the sessions began today at 10:00 A.M. the discussion turned to the Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles Newswriter Agreements. In keeping with the Union's previously stated goal in these negotiations, the bargaining committee, with the assistance of a representative of the Chicago Newswriters Unit, presented a compelling case for NABET-CWA-represented employees performing additional work related to Local Station website production, including newswriting, producing, and technical functions. Among other proposals discussed by the parties was the Company's use of part time Desk Assistants, some of whom have been working eight hours a day, five days a week, without receiving the pay and benefits of daily hire or regular staff employment. A contingent of Local 41 members also attended this morning session as observers.
The parties are scheduled to meet tomorrow at 10:30 A.M. in general session, with the Sick Leave subcommittee scheduled to meet at 2:00 P.M.
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/.
