Bulletin 6
Mar 01, 2011
Bulletin
NABET-CWA/ABC-Disney Negotiations
Los Angeles, CA
March 1, 2011
Bulletin #6
Sideletter HH, the alternative lay-off procedure provision, was the main topic of discussion at today’s session. The NABET-CWA Network Negotiating Committee was joined at the table today by CWA District 9 Area Director Val Afanasiev, and by Local 57 alternate Jan Hoag, as the parties engaged in lengthy and spirited debate concerning the current provisions and past application of Sideletter HH, as well as NABET-CWA’s and ABC’s differing proposals for this contract section.
The Union is proposing deleting the Sideletter, while ABC is proposing modifications that would further jeopardize job security for NABET-CWA staff members. In characterizing ABC’s proposal, Sector President James C. Joyce stated to ABC representatives that “The changes the Company is seeking in Sideletter HH would create at-will employment.” He continued, “In 2007, ABC discussed the ‘surgical’ approach to downsizing for which this Sideletter was intended. It has not been surgical, it has been butcher-like!” Local 57 President Richard Daszkowski also recounted the 2007 negotiations when he stated, “Your (ABC’s) representation in 2007 was that this Sideletter was for situations when the work was going away. In many cases, the work has not gone away.” In addition, Local 16 President Paul Vasquez described numerous examples concerning Sideletter HH applications in New York since 2008. “The process has been horrific. It’s crushing. All people have been affected, not just those being laid-off or downsized.”
NABET-CWA and ABC today also discussed their respective proposals which have particular application for Daily Hires working on sports field assignments.
Talks adjourned in the early evening. The parties will meet on Wednesday to discuss the ‘F’, ‘K’, and ‘O’ Newswriter Agreements for San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
The Union Bargaining Committee reminds all members that official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the Sector website (www.nabetcwa.org), on Local websites, hotlines, and e-mail lists.
NABET-CWA Network Negotiating Committee