CWA-NABET Asks Viewers in 4 Cities to 'Turn Off NBC'

CWAers from Local 1103, 1108 and other locals join NABET-CWA members outside NBC's Today show broadcast.

With talks still stalled two months after their contract expired, NABET-CWA members at NBC-Universal are turning up the heat and asking viewers in four major cities to turn off NBC and its local stations where members work.

On Monday, 50 NABET-CWA and CWA members in New York leafleted in front of the Today Show studio as the morning program aired. "Our mobile billboard made the rounds in front of audience, and some of our more ambitious supporters went right up to the glass behind Matt Lauer during the show with some pretty good signage," NABET Vice President Jim Joyce said.

The other cities with NABET contracts with NBC network and local stations are Washington, D.C., Chicago and Burbank, Calif. The contract covers 2,500 workers.

NABET-CWA is working for a fair contract that benefits members, the company and viewers. "Unfortunately, there has been no sign from NBC-U that it will do the right thing for its workers. While claiming the current economy is driving the posture that has brought us to the bargaining table, NBC-U and GE are still posting profits. Nonetheless, the company seems determined to remove job security, reduce compensation and subcontract work," the union said.

NBC is pushing to create a non-union job title for work that union members have been doing for decades. It also plans to close some operations in New York City and Burbank and transfer the work to a non-union facility in New Jersey.

The union is asking New Yorkers and viewers in Washington, D.C, Chicago and Burbank, Calif., to "Turn off NBC" and local stations.