Local's Solidarity Forces Management's Hand at Twin Cities Public TV

NABET-CWA Tentative Contract

As one of many mobilization activities during a year of bargaining, NABET-CWA Local 57411 members held an informational picket Dec. 5 outside a Christmas concert being recorded to air on Twin Cities Public Television. Pictured are members Tim Crowe, left, and William Nelson.

After a year of bargaining and hard work by an active membership that turned out to leaflet and picket in summer heat and winter snow, NABET-CWA members at Twin Cities Public Television have a tentative contract with raises totaling more than 6 percent over three years, plus a signing bonus.

The eight fulltime members of Local 57411 at KTCA/KTCI will each get a $4,000 bonus, with prorated amounts for the 45 part-time members.

Members made sure management knew they were serious with activities that ranged from wearing red solidarity shirts every Friday to staffing a booth at the state fair that drew support from politicians and viewers. The union collected thousands of cards from people pledging to stop watching and end their financial support for the public TV station if management continued to refuse to bargain in good faith.

Management originally launched an all-out attack on contract provisions for the unit of technicians, graphic designers and camera operators, attempting to effectively eliminate the union's jurisdiction over their jobs. The union was steadfast, forcing the station to back off its worst demands and protecting fulltime workers from layoffs during the term of the contract.

The bargaining team is recommending the contract's ratification. Members will receive copies of the agreement this week and will vote Jan. 24.