In The News: Tentative Contract Covers 2,500 at NBC

After nine tough months at the bargaining table, NABET-CWA has reached a tentative three-year agreement with NBC Universal that increases wages, addresses job security issues and improves benefits, particularly for "daily hire" workers.

The pact covers 2,500 engineers, technicians, news writers and other workers at the network and at four of its stations in New York, Washington, Chicago and Burbank, Calif. Details are being presented to members, represented by four NABET-CWA locals, at meetings this month.  A ratification vote will be complete by Aug. 25.

The pact provides a 9.5 percent wage hike over the contract term, extends existing no-layoff protections, addresses assignments in new businesses such as Internet programming and podcasting, and improves pension, personal leave and other payments for daily hires.