Solidarity Succeeds as PBS Workers Ratify New Contract

NABET-CWA members who stood strong through months of tough bargaining at PBS have ratified a new contract with 5 percent wage hikes over three years in addition to significant wage adjustments for many employees.

The new contract, which includes a $500 signing bonus, covers about 50 technicians, editors and satellite workers represented by NABET-CWA Local 52031. The previous contract expired in June.

The bargaining team worked hard to bring the wages of both new hires and longer-term workers in line with salaries at other networks, with PBS technicians and other workers receiving base pay increases to bring them up to industry standards.

NABET-CWA leaders credit the unit's active membership and mobilization for getting management to back down. Mobilization activities included hot dog days outside the building, turning out for PBS board meetings in red shirts of solidarity, and sending postcards to the network's CEO.