NABET-CWA Hails New York Ban on 'Non-Compete' Hiring Hurdles

After years of lobbying New York State lawmakers, NABET-CWA celebrated the passage and signing last week of the Broadcast Employees Freedom to Work Act, lifting restrictions on broadcast workers' flexibility to find new jobs when they leave an employer.

The legislation bans "non-compete" restrictions in employment contracts that prohibit TV and radio employees from finding new jobs with a competitor in the same market or within a particular time frame.  Such contract hurdles have forced workers to uproot families and relocate to get new employment.

NABET-CWA President John S. Clark singled out an officer of Local 25 in Buffalo for special credit in spearheading the lobbying effort.  "Broadcast industry workers in New York State should be grateful to Local Vice President Bob Hellwitz for his tireless commitment to passing this law," Clark said.

Gov. David Paterson said when he signed the bill on Aug. 6: "The contract provisions we're banning placed an unfair burden on these professionals by limiting their ability to move to other employers. We hope to empower broadcasters with greater independence as they pursue employment options."