Business Manager Report December 2015
CBS
SPORTS
Numerous site visits were made to MetLife Stadium where Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with members to discuss various issues including training and upgrades. Business Manager Ralph Avigliano and ABM George Rothweiler received a demonstration of new technology. The “Multiview” is a device that records multiple cameras in sync with time code.
An ICAP meeting was held November 23, 2015 regarding a grievance filed in March of 2015 pertaining to non-represented individuals preforming unit work. A settlement was reached in which the Company agreed that the work will be performed by IBEW Members.
COE
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made site visits to the Broadcast Center where he met with members and discussed various issues. Topics included work schedules, benefits and work flow.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made a site visit to the Ed Sullivan Theater. Membership meetings were held at the Theater during which the administrator of the Entertainment Industry Flex Plan was available to answer member questions about the Flex Plan and Open Enrollment.
CBS
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano along with President Michael Naeder and Vice President William Zizza met with CBS VP Executives to discuss various issues including editing, pay upgrades and work flow. Agreements were reached on all issues.
NET NEWS
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with the Executive VP to discuss various issues.
RADIO
A request for information was made to Labor Relations.
WCBS
A settlement was reached during an arbitration hearing held on behalf of a member.
WPIX
A grievance meeting was held on behalf of a freelance member. We are waiting for further information from the Company.
A meeting was held with management on OMB upgrades, follow up meeting TBA. A buyout offer was made by the Company including IBEW represented personnel.
WLIW
Negotiations continue with the next meeting scheduled for December 14, 2015.
WNET
A grievance has been filed on behalf of a member.
WXTV
A Labor/ Management meeting was held to discuss various issues including work flow, staffing, integration of Radio and upcoming negotiations.
WADO
A Labor/Management meeting was held to discuss work flow and the transition to a new facility.
HBO
Tentative Agreement reached on majority of issues, next meeting TBD
WNJU
The Union has requested a Labor/Management meeting. We are awaiting dates from the Company.
PPI
Met with the negotiating committee to discuss extension of CBA.
Office
A meeting of the Trustees of the Radio Television and Recording Arts Pension and Annuity Plan was held at the union office on December 8, 2015.
Entertainment Industry Flex Plan Administrator, Sean Dugan, met with members at both CBS and the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano attended the New York State AFL-CIO Annual Labor Celebration on December 10, 2015.
Business Manager Report November 2015
CBS
CBS/HALFLY
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano, President Michael Naeder, Vice President William Zizza along with International Representatives and LU1212 committee members representing all divisions, met with CBS in Fairfax, Virginia to discuss various issues. Topics for the committee meeting included issues in News, Sports, Studios, Radio and Safety.
Network News / Prosumer violations
The parties agreed there have been ongoing issues for some time. Numerous grievances have been filed as a result of work being done under the CBS/IBEW CBA.
The parties have agreed to a mutually designed streamlined process to address issues brought forth by the Union on potential prosumer contract violations occurring within the CBS Network News division or Stations Division. Both the Union and the Company are drafting a step process to deal with the issue.
WCBS
Various issues were discussed including Prosumer and multi camera usage by reporters.
SPORTS
Numerous issues discussed including the following:
- There are potential editing violations in the Broadcast Center. A follow up meeting has been scheduled for the first week of December in an effort to resolve potential violations.
- Graphics Department violations
- Upcoming Super Bowl
- Utility upgrades to technician rates and training
RADIO
Issues included the state of radio, work flow and scheduling.
COE
The Union presented the Company with possible violation of the CBA with non-represented persons editing Promos for the Late Night show. A meeting has been scheduled for the week of Nov. 9th.
CBS SITE VISITS
Numerous site visits to Met Life Stadium and Broadcast center facilities.
Arbitrations
An arbitration has been settled on behalf of member Network News.
An arbitration has been scheduled Nov. 12th on behalf of WCBS member.
FOX SPORTS
At a World Series sit visit, Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with members discus various issues including scheduling of assignments and work flow. A grievance has been filed on behalf of a Union Representative.
HBO
Negotiations continue, remaining issues include jurisdiction, Health and Welfare, Pension and wages. The next meetings have been scheduled for Nov.10th and 11th
WPIX
Issues still remain with implementing terms and conditions of the CBA. The Union has made a REQUEST OF INFORMATION on the upcoming Veterans Day Parade. No response to date from Company.
Tele-Measurements
A new Collective Bargaining Agreement has been ratified by members.
MSG
Met with shop Stewarts to discuss various issues on behalf of Freelance members
WXTV
We are awaiting dates from the Company for a Quarterly meeting. Issues to be discussed include workflow and the addition of WADO Radio station
WADO
Station moved from NYC to Teaneck, New Jersey.
WINS
Company has implemented long overdue increases
WNJU
The Union has offered dates for a Quarterly meeting.
WLIW
The Union has offered dates to recommence negotiations. There has been no response from the Company.
BUSINESS MANAGER REPORT – OCTOBER, 2015
CBS
SPORTS
During a site visit to Thursday Night Football at Metlife Stadium I had the opportunity to meet with members and to discuss various issues, i.e., scheduling, manpower.
Broadcast Center
Site visit: I met with members to discuss various issues, particularly work flow and jurisdictional issues in both the Palace and Graphics areas.
COE
Met with management to discuss work flow issues at the Colbert Theater, particularly scheduling and the non use of audio engineers. I am awaiting further information from both Shop representatives and Management.
NETWORK NEWS
There are ongoing issues with Video Journalists shooting live and transmitting. There was a conference call on October 9, 2015 with International Representatives, Business Managers, and a News Committee to discuss recent developments pertaining to prosumer usage and continuing violations. Violations of the CBA have been grieved. There will be further discussion with Management at the upcoming IBEW/CBS Halfly.
WCBS
There are ongoing issues shooting live with correspondents and bridges for air. A grievance will be filed.
CBS ARBITRATIONS
An arbitration has been scheduled for October 15, 2015 for the wrongful termination of member. An arbitration hearing has been scheduled for October 21, 2015 regarding a member’s suspension and final warning letter.
HBO
Negotiations continue. Meetings have been scheduled for October 19, 2015 and October 20, 2015. Issues include pension, jurisdiction and economics.
TELEMEASUREMENTS
Negotiations have concluded. We are waiting on confirmation of MOA from company.
WPIX
The CBA was ratified August 20, 2015; however, issues remain on implementation of the terms and conditions of the new agreement.
MSG
Met with members to discuss upcoming NHL and NBA seasons. The issues discussed were manpower, schedules and work assignments.
WINS
The contract was ratified on August 21, 2015. The union is seeking retro increases and all up grades due members.
WLIW
Negotiations continue. We are awaiting the company’s response to the Union’s proposal.
BUSINESS MANAGER REPORT – SEPTEMBER, 2015
CBS
NEWS NETWORK
The Prosumer grievance meeting was held and a settlement was reached. We are awaiting final language from Labor Relations.
Ten Freelance personnel have been offered 403.g staff positions.
CBS SPORTS
A Graphics grievance has been denied by the Company. An ICAP has been filed which is the next step in the grievance process.
While at a site visit for the PGA Golf Championship in Milwaukee, WI Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with members to discuss various issues. Relief issues were discussed during a meeting with management.
COE/ Broadcast Center
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made a site visit to the Broadcast Center for opening day college football. While there he was able to meet with members to discuss various issues. He also met with Management to discuss work flow issues in new technologies.
During a site visit to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert a meeting was held with members and the Executive Producer to discuss work flow.
FOX SPORTS NETWORK
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano along with Negotiating Committee members attended the Halfly Meeting in Washington, D.C. from September 1 – 3, 2015
HBO
Negotiations are set to begin September 22 and 23, 2015. The Negotiating Committee will meet on September 21, 2015 to finalize membership proposals.
TELEMEASUREMENTS
Negotiations are set to begin September 24, 2015.
WNJU
A meeting was held with a member and management to discuss settlement language on a pending issue.
OFFICE
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano attended the retirement dinner for Emeritus President Edwin Hill. On behalf of Local Union 1212 he thanked President Hill for his lifelong dedication to IBEW.
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano and Executive Board Member Daniel Ham attended 3rd District progress meeting held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano along with Vice President Bill Zizza and Freelance Representative Ryan O’Boyle will attend the IBEW Membership Development Conference being held September 15-18, 2015.
2015 Labor Day Parade – September 12, 2015
I would like to thank the Executive Board and their families who attended the Parade along with members of Local Union 1212. I would also like to thank Richard Ross and Goldie James for coordinating the event on behalf of Local 1212.
BUSINESS MANAGER REPORT – AUGUST, 2015
CBS:
NETWORK NEWS: There is a Prosumer grievance meeting scheduled for August 18, 2015.
SPORTS: A site visit to Kohler, Wisconsin for the PGA Golf Championship is scheduled for August 12 – 14, 2015.
The Graphics grievance has been settled. We are waiting for final settlement language from company.
COE: An arbitration settlement has been reached on behalf of a freelance member.
BROADCAST CENTER SITE VISIT: During a visit to the Broadcast Center I received a tour of the new Media Department construction site and received an overview from CBS Sports management.
RADIO: We are awaiting a date for a Labor/ Management meeting.
FOX SPORTS:
The next quarterly Labor/Management meetings are scheduled for September 2 – 4, 2015 in Washington D.C. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss various issues on golf remotes and the upcoming NFL Season.
WPIX:
Negotiations have concluded and a tentative agreement has been reached. A shop meeting was held to review the tentative agreement on August 4, 2015. The ballots have been mailed and are due back August 20, 2015.
WINS:
Negotiations have concluded and a tentative agreement reached. A shop meeting held July 29, 2015 to review the tentative agreement. Ballots are due back on August 21, 2015.
WADO:
The new terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between IBEW Local 1212 and WADO was voted on and passed by the membership.
TELEMEASUREMENTS:
We are waiting for dates from the Company to commence negotiations.
Broadcast Coordinating Council:
There was a conference call with International Representatives and BCC Chairpersons to discuss the upcoming conference scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2015 in Naples, Florida.
Business Manager Report – July 13, 2015
CBS:
National: The biannual Halfly Labor Management Meeting was held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Business Manager Ralph Avigliano attended along with President Michael Naeder and Vice President William Zizza.
COE/CSD/CND/Stations: All divisions gave updates and reports.
SPORTS: A tentative agreement has been reached regarding a previously filed grievance. Business Manager Ralph Avigliano is awaiting a letter of understanding of remedy from company attorneys.
NEWS: A prosumer grievance meeting is scheduled for August 3- 4, 2015.
WCBS: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with management to discuss various issues.
RADIO: Local Union 1212 has made a request for a Labor Management meeting.
ARBITRATION: An arbitration has been scheduled for July 29, 2015 on behalf of a freelance member.
FOX SPORTS: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made a site visit to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the US Women’s Open Championship golf tournament. He met with members to discuss various issues, i.e., workday, staffing and relief operators. He met with management to discuss various issues.
HBO: A grievance meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2015 regarding upgrades and wages. Local 1212 and the Company are also exchanging dates for upcoming negotiations.
WADO: A ratification meeting was held to discuss the tentative agreement reached between Local 1212 and the Company. Ballots will be mailed July 14, 2015.
WINS: Negotiations continue. The next meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2015.
WINS: A member was laid off on July 10, 2015.
WPIX: Negotiations continue. The next scheduled meeting is July 17, 2015. Various issues still remain including jurisdiction, work rules and economics.
TELEMEASUREMENTS: Union and Company are looking for dates to initiate negotiations.
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
MAY/JUNE
CBS:
COE: Grievance meeting held on behalf of terminated member. Grievance denied. Possible settlement pending. Numerous meetings held on behalf of displaced at Studio 50. Meeting held with business Manger and ABM’s to discuss various issues
NETWORK NEWS: Discussions with management on various issues. The cancellation of the Up to the Minute in September. Grievance filed sec 1.03(b) 1(F)
WCBS: Met with management and ABM to discuss various issues. Work flow and assignments in New Technology.
SPORTS: Met with representative to discuss new construction in both the “Palace” and New Media Work Flow and Jurisdictional concerns.
CWD: Labor management meeting to discuss various issues. Gratis Day awarded to members. Met with new management team.
IBEW/CBS HALFLY will be held on June 22 to the 25th.
PPI:
Members vote due 06/11/15 on extension agreement; all terms and conditions remain in place. Additional language includes “Double Header” language “Technicians working on double header or single day multiple events will be paid at time and one half minimum rate.” The contract runs through and including September 30, 2015.
SONY:
Negotiations concluded, tentative agreement reached. Vote due on 06/15/2015
WINS:
Negotiations continue, next meeting scheduled on 06/17/2015
WPIX:
Negotiations continue, next meeting scheduled on 06/11/2015
WADO:
Negotiations continue, next meeting scheduled on 06/09/2015
WNJU:
Met with management to dicuss various issues. A Grievance was filed on behalf of a member.
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
April / May 2015
CBS:
DAVID LETTERMAN: Met with members and COE Management to discuss positions and assignments at both the theater and the Broadcast Center.
SPORTS: Discussed with management travel issues on remotes and hotel accommodations. Also discussed, pending grievance and training and new technologies (graphics and editing).
COE: Grievance meeting scheduled for May 22, 2015 on behalf of terminated member.
WCBS: Labor/Management Meeting, the purpose of this meeting was to discuss scheduling, training in new technologies and assignment of technicians.
NETWORK NEWS: Grievance to be filed on ENG violations. Several conference calls with committee representatives on possible violations in the field. Met with management to discuss safety concerns during the Baltimore protest.
SONY:
Negotiations scheduled to begin May 14, 2015. Met with management and negotiating committee chairman to discuss any possible issues.
WPIX:
Negotiations continue. Next meeting scheduled May 29, 2015. The Union is looking into possible violations at the new Barkley Center Studio.
WINS:
Negotiations continue — The company has appointed a new attorney, waiting on dates to resume negotiations.
WADO:
The Union has offered several dates to start negotiations. Waiting for confirmation from the company.
MSG:
Met with Union ABMs to discuss possible violations of work rules.
HBO:
Quarterly Labor Management meeting held to discuss new technologies, training and possible work opportunities.
Both the Company and the Union are looking to partner for “in house” projects. Dan Snyder, IBEW Safety Officer scheduled for site visit at the HCC facility to report on possible safety violations during the current construction project. Visit is scheduled May 13, 2015.
OFFICE:
Representatives attended Broadcast, Manufacturing, Telecom Conference.
ATTORNEY:
Update on DOL.
ACCOUNTANTS:
Financial report
BUSINESS MANAGERS REPORT
March / April 2015
CBS:
SPORTS/NCAA FINAL FOUR COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Met with members, discussed new technology and participated in editing demonstration. Conversation continued on jurisdiction grievance.
AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF MASTERS: Met with members and ABM’s to discuss operations and workflow. Met with management to discuss issues.
BROADCAST CENTER/ NCAA FINAL FOUR BASKETBALL: Numerous site visits. Met with members to discuss various issues, new technology, jurisdiction and scheduling.
NETWORK NEWS/NEWS CENTER: Various site visits, met with members. Discussed scheduling, shift changes and jurisdiction.
COE: Late Night Studio. Labor/Management meeting scheduled for April 21, 2015
Maintenance: Grievance filed on behalf of terminated member
SHOW CREWS: Grievance filed on behalf of terminated member
FOX SPORTS / AT MSG:
NCAA REGIONAL BASKETBALL: Several site visits, met with members and management to discuss scheduling, time sheets and personnel requirements. Other various issues were discussed.
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL NASCAR: Labor / Management meetings held. Site visits and tour of new technology. Various issues were discussed such as upcoming events, scheduling structure, work day and meals.
WPIX:
Negotiations continue, next meeting scheduled for April 29, 2015.
Met with negotiating committee to draft union proposals.
Met with Unity committee.
SONY STUDIOS:
Labor/Management meeting held discuss various issues. Waiting for dates to commence negotiations.
WINS:
Negotiations continue with the next meeting scheduled for April 22, 2015
WLIW:
Negotiations continue. Membership meeting scheduled for later in this month.
UNITED NATIONS:
Union “request of information” letter sent to both United Nations representatives and to contractors.
HBO:
NYC: Met with members and ABM’s. Discussed various issues, possible violations of the CBA, training and future operations.
HAUPPAUGE, LONG ISLAND: Met with ABM’s and shop stewards. Met with members to discuss various issues.
OFFICE STAFF MEETING:
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss day to day operations, new technology issues and vacation scheduling.
PENSION FUND / RADIO AND TELEVISION RECORDING ARTS PENSION PLAN:
Quarterly meeting held. In attendance, Fund Attorney, Trustees, Actuaries and Investment Advisors
BUSINESS MANAGERS REPORT
February / March 2015
CBS:
The Letterman Show: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano, President Mike Naeder, Vice President Mike Fosso and Senior ABM and Executive Board member Bill Zizza held several meetings with the staff to discuss the new Stephen Colbert Show which will be replacing Late Night with David Letterman.
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano, President Mike Naeder, Senior ABM Bill Zizza and CBS management Held a meeting with the staff to discuss staffing of the Colbert Show. Business Manager Ralph Avigliano< President Mike Naeder and Senior ABM and Executive Board Member Bill Zizza met with the Executive Producers of the Colbert Show.
CBS INTERACTIVE: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano, President Mike Naeder and Senior ABM and Executive Board Member Bill Zizza held a meeting with the members various issues were discussed.
HARD NEWS CENTER: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made several site visits met with members and discussed various issues. Business Representative John Costa made several site visits met with members to discuss various issues
COE: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano, President Mike Naeder and Senior ABM and Executive Board Member met with management to discuss various issues.
WCBS: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with senior management to discuss new automated control room. Business Representative John Costa made several site visits met with members discussed various issues.
CONSTRUCTION SHOP: Business Representative John Costa made several site visits met with members discussed various issues.
TX: Business Representative John Costa made several visits met with members discussed various issues.
FOX SPORTS:
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano Shop Steward Keith D’ornellas attended quarterly meeting with Director of Broadcasting and Telecom, International Representatives and Business Managers from Locals 45, 1200 and 1220, various issues were discussed.
FOX SPORTS 1:
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made several site visits to MSG for College Basketball met with members discussed various issues.
HBO:
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made several site visits to the Communication Center in Hauppauge met with Shop Stewards and members discussed various issues.
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano, and Business Representatives made site visit to 23rd Street Studio met with Shop Stewards to discuss various issues (ex> Starting early negotiations) contract expires October 25, 2015
SONY (BATTERY STUDIOS):
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made site visit met with members discussed various issues (ex. Starting negotiation early) Contract expires May 31, 2015
TELEMUNDO (WNJU):
Labor Management meeting scheduled for Wednesday March 4, 2015 postponed and a new date to be determined.
UNIVISION (WADO):
Negotiations continue a new date for next meeting to be determined.
UNIVISION (WXTV):
Labor Management meeting with WXTV, WXTV Producers and WADO to be scheduled and we are waiting on dates from company.
WINS:
Waiting on dates from company for next negotiation session.
WPIX:
Negotiations continued on February 10, 2015 slight progress was made the next date for negotiations is to be determined.
OFFICE:
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano is proud to announce that Ms. Donna Seniscalchi has been appointed to the position of Office Manager and that Mrs. Lynn Scarpati has been employed a comptroller.
Senior Business Representative Vincent Butler has taken a position with the IBEW Broadcasting and Telecom Department at the International Office. His last day at the Local will be March 12, 2015.
BUSINESS MANAGER REPORT
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015
CBS:
CBS SPORTS: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano attend meeting with management discuss various issues (Upcoming events, Email sign in/out for scheduling procedure). Business Manager and Business Rep made site visit Friday January 16 and 17, 2015 to Foxboro Gillette Stadium met with members discuss various issues. Grievance filed on behalf of member has been denied by company.
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano and Union attorney along with International Director of Broadcasting. International Representatives and Business Manager of Local 1200 represented members at ICAP meeting with company decision pending.
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made site visit to Broadcast Center Saturday February 7, 2015 met with members discussed various issues
CBS NEWS: Business reps represented member at disciplinary meeting. Member suspended grievance filed with company. Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with members of Hard News and Studios discussed various issues.
WCBS: Arbitration filed on behalf of member. The local is waiting on date from the American Arbitration Association. List of arbiters sent by AAA
MDC/CBS: Business Manager scheduled meeting with management on Wednesday February 11, 2015. Conference call with management to discuss scheduling issues.
FOX SPORTS FS1:
Business Manager Ralph[h Avigliano made numerous site visit to Madison Square Garden for Big East College Basketball met with members discussed various issues.
HBO:
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made site visit to HBO Communication Center met with members discussed various issues.
MSG:
Tentative agreement reached Business Manager Ralph Avigliano held shop meeting to inform members of the details of the new agreement. Vote for ratification sent out to members Friday January 23, 2015. The vote is due back at the Union office Friday February 6, 2015. The IBEW Local 1212 / MSG Collective Bargaining Agreement has been ratified by members. Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made numerous site visit to MSG New York Ranger and New York Knick games met with members discussed various issues.
SONY(BATTERY STUDIOS):
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano scheduled meeting with management to discuss upcoming negotiations.
Teampeople:
Agreement signed notification sent out to members to re-activate or to apply for membership.
WINS:
Business Manager Ralph Avigliano met with company attorney to discussed negotiations scheduled follow up meeting to move negotiations along.
WPIX:
Negotiations continued with meetings on Thursday January 23, January 29 and January 30, 2015. Slight movement was made. Next negotiations are scheduled for Tuesday February 10, 2015
OFFICE:
Business Rep along with Executive Board member Cheryl Thomas Vice President of EWMC, Frank Dulzaides of UNIVISION WXTV and Edgard Alverez of TELEMUNDO WNJU attended the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and the EWMC RENEW Caucus.
The office staff participated in a conference call hosted by the International.
Executive Board President and members of the Executive Board met in a special meeting with Business Manager and Union attorney to discuss updating office policy.
BUSINESS MANAGERS REPORT
DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015
CBS:
SPORTS: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made site visits to Metlife Stadium and the CBS Broadcast Center met with members discussed various issues.
WCBS: Grievance filed on behalf of member. Waiting on date for grievance from the company.
FOX SPORTS: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made sit visit to MetLife Stadium met with members discussed various issues.
FOX SPORTS 1: Business Manager Ralph Avigliano made site visit to Madison Square Garden on January 6, 2015 St John’s Basketball met with members discussed various issues
MSG: Tentative agreement reached shop meeting scheduled for Thursday January 15, 2015. Ballots for ratification to be mailed out to members after shop meeting.
TEAMPEOPLE(UN): Contract language finalized Collective Bargaining Agreement to be sign by both parties.
WADO: Negotiations continue, next date to meet with company to be determined.
WINS: Dates for negotiation with company to be scheduled.
WLIW: Negotiations continue, counter offer language to be submitted to company dates to be scheduled for next negotiations.
WPIX: Shop meeting held on Thursday January 9, 2015 to update members on contract negotiations. Next date for negotiations is Thursday January 22, 2015