NABET-CWA #21 ch.13

WNYT: LIVE, LOCAL, UNION-BREAKING

The workers at News Channel 13 are members of NABET-CWA Local #21, and are facing a tough round of negotiations. The out of town owners of the company are making more money than any other station in the region, yet they are offering what amounts to a 25% pay cut for all collective bargaining unit members. Please take a moment now to send a letter to the station manager, telling him that we are a Union region, strong and standing in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters at the station.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Bargain Fairly Mr. Baboulis

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am a faithful watcher of Channel 13 and invite your newspeople, weather persons, and commentators into my home on a daily basis. However, as we are a Union household, we will be forced to tune out your station. Further, we will refuse to purchase products or services from individuals or companies that continue to be sponsors on Channel 13.

You can avoid me having to do so by talking to the Union at Channel 13 and negotiate a fair and equitable contract. The current tactics seem to be to bust the Union or severely limit its effectiveness in protecting its members.

Mr. Baboulis, this area is a very strong Union area with much support from all current and former members. Just this Labor Day, articles in the Gazette highlighted the strength of the local labor movement. Historically this area has been the site of many labor struggles including sit-downs, walkouts, lockouts and yes even Pinkerton Guards and National Guard trying to break unions. All efforts have failed and yours will also.

I would also remind you that if there is no Channel 13 being watched when the ratings come out it is likely that YOU will be gone also.

Thank you for your time but, please bargain fairly with your employees. I am familiar with several of your long time employees and my family and my union will do all we can to help them.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 05, 2007

Background Information

Problems with The Company’s Proposal:

The Company is demanding that workers accept layoff with no regard to seniority. The Company could target anyone in the bargaining unit at any time.
The Company would like to abandon jurisdiction so that anybody could do unit work at any time. They could even lay off union members, and bring in outsiders who would not be required to be in the bargaining unit. Those people could do the work of the unit members who were laid off.
The Company's demand we allow pay cuts to the contract minimum of $11 an hour. Our collective bargaining agreement currently does not allow any pay cut.

The Local’s major issues are outlined on their website www.turnoff13.com Please visit that website and return from time to time. Updates will be posted as the campaign progresses.

The Membership has authorized a strike but have chosen to work with the expired contract at this time. The station has recruited and trained scabs, and the Union believes the Company is now paying some scabs to stand by while it also has to continue to pay members. A four week ratings period begins November 1-- use this time to send the message that this is a Union Region!