NABET-CWA: Job Security a Key Issue as ABC Bargaining Begins

Negotiations are underway between NABET-CWA and ABC-TV, with the union's bargaining team determined to improve members' job security by ensuring that they have access to jobs of the future at the network.

NABET-CWA President John Clark, in a letter to members, said that while NABET members already do much of the work involving emerging technologies at ABC, "our participation depends largely on the 'good will' of the company.

"Our aim in these negotiations is to convince ABC that — based on our talents, dedication, value and professionalism, and our long history in helping build this company into what it is today – our future must be built on a foundation more enduring than someone's good will," Clark said.

As for wages at ABC, where NABET represents about 2,500 workers nationwide, Clark said they've fallen behind pay rates at NBC and CBS and even many independent stations. Other key bargaining issues include preserving members' pension plan, improving retiree health care and preventing rollbacks in work rules.

In an opening statement when bargaining began Wednesday in the Washington, D.C. area, Clark reminded the company of its financial strength, and how workers contributed to it.

"It's our belief that, overall, your company has been doing very well of late," he said. "Under the strong, imaginative leadership of Robert Iger, the fortunes of The Walt Disney Company have revived significantly, and ABC has been enjoying a growing success.  Our members have contributed to that success and want to continue helping the company succeed far into the future."

He said NABET negotiators would like to reach agreement with the company before the current four-year contract expires March 31, and will hard toward that goal. However, he cautioned, "We are not prepared to roll over and capitulate to achieve it."