NABET-CWA Members Stand Firm as Contract Fight Heads to Mediation

NABET-CWA has been in tough bargaining with PBS, the nation's public broadcasting network, for a new contract covering some 50 technicians, editors and satellite workers, members of Local 52031. The previous contract expired at the end of June.

NABET-CWA members have been mobilizing and that show of solidarity, including red shirt days and "hot dog Wednesdays" caused the network's chief negotiator to walk away from bargaining. Negotiations will resume July 13 with a federal mediator.

Management demands include changes in shift selection, job titles and cuts in pay differentials. The network says it won't raise wages this year and is offering just 1 percent next year and 2 percent in 2012.

(Photo at right: Kenny Distance, a members of the NABET-CWA bargaining team at PBS, grills hot dogs for his colleagues outside the network's facilities in Springfield, Va.)