December 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS CORP
11/25/20 – Memo from CEO alerted employees that ViacomCBS has agreed to sell off Simon and Schuster publishing to Penguin Random House. Deal is expected to close in second half of 2021.
11/27/20 – Changes to 401k plans were instituted by the company. Wasatch Core Growth CIT Class A will be added as an investment option. DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio Institutional Class will be removed.
11/27/20 – Fund the future has been frozen and contributions will end this year.
CBS SPORTS
12/03/20 – Steward notified BM about issue with member and flex plan benefits being remitted by company for work on CBS Sports Network. Matter appears resolved.
CBS News
11/19/20 – Grievance filed over two members not being paid for testing on day off and time spent on quarantine post out of town travel assignment. Matter ongoing.
11/20/20 – Union notified of issue with member that was on assignment and asked to quarantine. BM spoke with management and asked member to resubmit the timesheet correctly.
11/23/20 – Company instituted new travel and safety policies tied to Covid-19. Union reviewed latest changes. Both sides discussed items on December 9th and company will be responding to outstanding questions next week.
11/24/20 – ICAP award between panelists was issued from the International to Business Managers at IBEW 1212 and 1200. Part of the terms is to meet weekly with Union and Management to resolve issues. First meeting was scheduled for November 18th and will continue each Wednesday thereafter.
11/25/20 – Member who questioned benefits back to original start date has agreed to company settlement. Matter appears closed.
12/07/20 – IBEW 1212 demand for arbitration regarding prior grievances is being asked by company to be withdrawn based on ICAP decision. Discussing violations.
12/07/20 – BM wrote to CBS Labor Relations about members being quarantined post out of town assignment. Members were quarantined on regularly scheduled workdays including a Holiday. Matter ongoing.
COE
10/21/20 – Safety meeting between International, BM, BR, ABM and Management from the company over Covid-19 testing and safety protocols. Both sides met again on November 18th to review latest protocols.
11/20/20 – ABM notified BM/BR about pending HR investigation regarding member. Company notified Union that they would not conclude findings until after the Thanksgiving holiday. Matter has yet to be concluded.
12/04/20 – Two members asked to quarantine for two weeks on scheduled vacation time. Union spoke with Labor Relations for members to get their allotment of days back. Matter has been resolved.
WCBS
11/17/20 – Safety meeting between International, BM, BR, ABM and Management from the company over Covid-19 testing and safety protocols. Both sides met to review latest protocols including station policies.
CBSN
11/30/20 – Union drafted framework of a new proposed drafted agreement. Meeting with committee to review is next step.
FOX SPORTS:
12/10/20 – International responded to an inquiry made by the membership to have Fox Sports distribute Covid-19 test results for purposes of getting through airport checkpoints. Matter ongoing.
HBO:
11/09/20 – BM notified membership of a newly executed agreement (4-year contract) which includes retro back to October of 2019 and wage increases in each year of the term of the CBA.
MSG:
11/06/20 – NBA players Union voted to begin a 72-game season beginning December 22nd. BR spoke to Management on 12/4 and Knicks regular season is slated to begin 12/22. Preseason basketball is set to begin December 11th vs Detroit.
12/01/20 – After several discussions with both sides. Union received confirmation from the company that the freelance members who made the hours for medical benefits in 2020 would also be eligible for 2021.
12/10/20 – NHL is targeting training camps to begin on January 3, 2021 and league to begin season by January 13th.
WPIX:
12/03/20 – FCC approved Mission Broadcasting to acquire WPIX-11. Deal is expected to close end of the year. Employees are expected to participate in meetings on December 17 and 18 for updates on the new purchaser.
12/04/20 – Member notified Union of non-bargained personnel performing jurisdictional work at the station. Matter ongoing.
WNET:
11/30/20 – Management spoke with BR about wage rate changed to member’s scale in pay. Scale will be restored once work returns to work in control room.
11/30/20 – Company has opted to release its initial mandate to furlough employees for 4-days during Christmas week. Members will now be paid.
WNJU:
11/20/20 – Company notified Union of vacation allowance for member. Company has granted member vacation week previously scheduled.
12/02/20 – BM, BR and Counsel had a call with Committee regarding updates in negotiations and proposed sideletter from the company. Another call was set on December 9th. Tentative 4-year deal includes increase to per diem minimum in January 2021. As well as wage increases at 2.5% in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Details still being worked out.
12/10/20 – Company informed BM that they would like to schedule a member disciplinary meeting. Meeting has yet to be scheduled.
WADO:
11/10/20 – Ratification vote passed with the membership. New agreement includes a 3-year term which will end in September 2022. October 1, 2020, all employees covered by this Agreement shall receive retro payment and 2.25% wage increase plus a 500.00 bonus upon ratification. Effective October 1, 2021 members shall receive a 3% wage increase.
System One / UN:
12/10/20 – Union and company in negotiations to extend current agreement at the United Nations. Matter ongoing.
Prudential Center:
11/02/20 – Management notified members that they will begin Seton Hall games November 29.
11/25/20 – Management notified members that game on 11/29 was canceled due to Covid-19. Game may be rescheduled, matter ongoing.
11/30/20 – Seton Hall kicked off season at the Rock vs Iona.
12/02/20 – Company confirmed that they will allow members to park free for all upcoming game events due to safety guidelines proposed by the Union.
Entercom Radio:
11/16/20 – International and Business Managers met to discuss counter proposals from company. Matter ongoing.
November 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS
10/27/20 – Company conducted a safety review at the halfway point of the CFB and NFL season.
10/28/20 – Company conducted a webinar/ safety call regarding the Masters at Augusta National. Event will take place 11/12-11/15.
11/05/20 – Army vs Air Force game canceled due to Covid-19. Unclear if the game will be rescheduled. Matter ongoing.
CBS News
10/09/20 – Company extending member deadline regarding discrepancy in benefits. BM, BR and Counsel spoke member on 11/04. Some outstanding items open, matter ongoing.
10/19/20 – Final briefs for ICAP hearing were submitted and panel from both sides listened to arguments on October 23rd. Deliberations continued through week of October 26th. Both sides are writing agreement to settle ICAP.
10/21/20 – Grievance meeting was held for member who was removed from the show. Both parties have agreed to bring back member and the grievance has been withdrawn from the Union without prejudice. Members first day back is 11/9.
11/05/20 – Grievances filed for non-bargaining members doing bargaining unit work, including going live without the use of technicians.
COE
10/21/20 – Safety meeting between International, BM, BR, ABM and Management from the company over Covid-19 testing and safety protocols.
CBSN
11/04/20 – Another meeting with committee via Zoom. BM, BR and Counsel discussed strategy and upcoming negotiations. Looking to draft proposals and schedule dates to meet with company.
FOX SPORTS:
11/06/20 – Company held a mid-season webinar on safety protocols during the pandemic regarding the NFL and College Football.
HBO:
11/06/20 – Four-year agreement was signed by both parties. This agreement includes retro back to October of 2019 and wage increases in each year of the term of the CBA.
MSG:
11/06/20 – NBA players Union voted to begin a 72-game season beginning December 22nd. Matter ongoing.
WPIX:
11/02/20 – Final brief was submitted on behalf of Union for grievant who was terminated September of 2019. Arbitrator will have 30-60 days to issue an award.
WNET:
11/02/20 – Conference call with BM, Member and Management about bringing back employee who was furloughed. Member will begin work week of November 9th.
WNJU:
10/27/20 – Negotiations continued via Zoom October 15-16 as well as October 27 and 28. Both sides also met again on November 6th. Another meeting is tentatively set for November 13.
WADO:
10/27/20 – Ratification ballots sent to members. Vote will be counted on November 10th.
System One / UN:
11/04/20 – Ratification vote passed unanimously. Retro back to January 1, 2020 – plus wage increases and additional PTO as well as defined overtime for employees at the UN.
Prudential Center:
11/02/20 – Management notified members that they will begin Seton Hall games November 29.
OFFICE:
10/29/20 – International hosted TV and Radio Stations meeting via Zoom with IBEW Locals all over the country.
October 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS
9/21/20 – Grievance filed for work being performed by non-bargaining personnel. Company acknowledged violation; matter appears settled.
10/07/20 – Company announced they will be conducting a webinar/ safety call about the Masters at Augusta National.
10/11/20 – Patriots/ Broncos game was moved to 10/18 due to covid-19 protocols. Both teams were granted a bye week for week 5.
10/12/20 – Bills/ Titans game was moved to Tuesday night on 10/13 due to covid-19 protocols.
CBS News
9/15/20 – Grievance filed on behalf of company using an outside vendor to do bargaining unit work.
9/21/20 – Grievance filed on behalf of member that was arbitrarily dismissed. Company and Union spoke on October 8th, matter ongoing.
09/30/20 – BM issued email update to membership on current status of grievances and ongoing violations.
10/01/20 – Company responded to ICAP that they are retaining outside counsel which is set for October 23rd. Briefs are due by October 16th.
10/02/20 – International Rep, Labor Relations, BM, BR and Management held a conference call to try and resolve the outstanding violations. Matter ongoing.
10/08/20 – BM and Management spoke to try and resolve issues in the News division. A meeting with both sides will continue early next week.
10/09/20 – Company is extending member deadline to October 23rd over discrepancy in benefits. Matter ongoing.
WCBS
09/23/20 – Grievance meeting over Weatherman going live without assistance of a technician. Union believes it was a violation, matter ongoing.
CBSN
09/15/20 – First meeting with committee via Zoom was held. BM, BR and Counsel discussed strategy and upcoming negotiations.
FOX SPORTS:
10/12/20 – Chiefs and Bills game was moved from Thursday 10/15 to Monday night on 10/19 due to covid-19 protocols.
HBO:
10/01/20 – ViacomCBS acquired HBO Hauppauge complex for an estimated 24.5 million.
10/07/20 – BM, BR, Counsel spoke with HBO Negotiating Committee. Update on final contract language as well as increases and retro. Matter ongoing.
MSG:
10/09/20 – Union arranging a call with negotiating committee the week of October 12th. NHL and NBA 2020/2021 seasons are tentatively starting early 2021 according to the leagues.
WPIX:
09/17/20 – Arbitration concluded with the Company and Union resting their cases, Final briefs are due October 19th. Decision will be rendered in 30-60 days.
09/24/20 – Union and company held quarterly meeting via Zoom over safety and issues in the field. Matter ongoing.
WNET:
10/05/20 – BM, BR, Management and member discussed possible buyout from company. Member will weigh decision, matter ongoing.
WNJU:
09/21/20 – Negotiations continued via Zoom, both parties have dates also scheduled for October 15-16 and October 27-28. Discussed proposals with committee on 10/12.
WXTV:
9/18/20 – BM, BR, Counsel and Committee Member spoke to company about upcoming automation control room project that is being implemented. Matter ongoing.
WADO:
10/01/20 – Final terms of proposals have been agreed upon. Company and union will sign MOU and ratification vote will go out to members. Term is a 3-years. Bonus up front and increases in year two and three.
System One / UN:
10/05/20 – Final terms of proposals have been agreed upon, awaiting company signature prior to ratification vote.
Stage 29:
10/07/20 – BR spoke with Management over Season 4 safety protocols. Matter ongoing.
OFFICE:
9/17/20 – BM and BR participated in one day 3rd District Progress Meeting over Zoom. International President Lonnie Stephenson, Secretary Treasurer Ken Cooper and 3rd District International Vice President Mike Welch were among the speakers.
September 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS
09/03/20 – Company hosted a webinar on Covid-19 protocols. Members were invited to participate on a return to the NFL.
9/12/20 – BYU vs Army game at West Point on Sept 19th was postponed due to spike in Covid-19 cases. This game has not been rescheduled yet.
CBS News
08/05/20 – Union filed two grievances under work jurisdiction related to CTM. 2 more grievances filed on August 10th, 2 more grievances filed on August 21st, 4 more filed on September 3rd, 3 more filed on September 10th and 3 more on September 11th.
08/24/20 – Union filed with the International an ICAP Panel request for work jurisdiction on CBS This Morning.
08/24/20 – Union filed for arbitration related to work jurisdiction on programs CBS This Morning and Face the Nation.
9/11/20 – BM and Counsel participated in meeting with Labor Relations about extending deadline to sign separation agreement for member. Company has now agreed to extend deadline to September 25th. Matter ongoing.
9/11/20 – BM and BR spoke to member about cleaning being done at the Broadcast Center. BR did a follow up on 9/12. Matter ongoing.
WCBS
05/27/20 – Union filed grievance over layoff procedures regarding staff employees being replaced. Final settlement was agreeable to Members. Matter appears closed.
COE
9/11/20 – Member inquiring about HOD’s owed. The dates in question were in middle of May. BM working with Labor Relations.
CBSN
09/03/20 – Neutral card check with American Arbitrators Association. Union met the majority of cards requirement and was granted bargaining agent rights by the AAA. First meeting is set for September 15th with the committee.
FOX SPORTS:
09/03/20 – Company hosted a webinar on Covid-19 protocols. Members were invited to participate on a return to the NFL.
WPIX:
08/18/20 – Second Arbitration hearing for member terminated back in September of 2019. Third and final day is set for September 17th.
09/08/20 – BM wrote letter to International Office regarding Nexstar pursuit of WPIX-11 through Mission Broadcasting.
09/11/20 – Union and company agreed on quarterly meeting to take place via Zoom September 24th.
WNET:
8/21/20- Member who was furloughed in April signed his separation agreement and opted for a voluntary buyout. Matter is now closed.
WLIW:
08/19/20 – Company calculated its first of 3 bonuses for freelancers. The first was done for the period January 1 – June 30th. Union approved the calculation and payment will be paid out to members week of September 7th.
WNJU:
07/27/20 – Negotiations scheduled for 7/28 was postponed. Parties will resume negotiations on September 21st via Zoom.
WADO:
09/11/20 – Freelance member terminated for violating Covid-19 protocols. Union investigating. Matter ongoing.
OFFICE:
8/31-9/3/20 – BM and BR participated in the Virtual 2020 IBEW Membership Development Conference held via Zoom. Topics discussed included organizing and new NLRB rulings.
August 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS
07/21/20 – Company scheduled a Zoom safety task force meeting to review the safety procedures for the upcoming PGA Championship in San Francisco (August 6-9).
08/07/20 – Company is hosting a webinar on August 11 to review safety protocols during the resumption of studio production this Fall season.
CBS News
08/05/20 – Union filed two grievances under work jurisdiction related to CTM. Matter ongoing.
08/05/20 – BM and Counsel participated in meeting with Labor Relations over extending deadline to sign separation agreement for member.
WCBS
08/03/20 – BM, BR, ABM, Shop Steward held discussions with Management regarding implementation of safety protocols inside ENG trucks. Matter ongoing.
RADIO
08/06/20 – Member is owed anniversary increase post July 22nd. BR spoke with Labor Relations and increase should take effect week of August 10th.
HBO:
07/24/20 – Counsel sent over redline changes to CBA for company review. Matter ongoing.
FOX SPORTS:
07/14/20 – IBEW International hosted a webinar to discuss newly updated utility grids.
07/29/20 – IBEW International emailed membership about Memorandum of Understanding regarding Major League Baseball waiver form required for members to work.
07/30/20 – IBEW and Fox baseball returned to action with Mets vs Red Sox at Citi Field on July 30th and Yankees vs Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 1st.
MSG:
07/15/20 – BM, BR and Counsel held a Zoom shop meeting to discuss contract proposals.
WPIX:
07/22/20 – Union and Company executed Memorandum of Agreement on contract extension.
08/07/20 – BM, BR, Counsel and grievant participated in Arbitration hearing prep session via zoom. There will be another on August 10th at 3pm. Hearing is set for 10am on August 18th.
WNET:
07/03/20- Company sent over settlement agreement to grievance filed on behalf of the Union. Agreement was executed by all parties on July 22nd.
07/27/20- 14-month extension to the current agreement which would include a
4-day furlough at the end of 2020 was ratified by membership. MOU was signed July 29th.
WLIW:
07/23/20 – New contract is a 4-year term which would include a 4-day furlough at the end of 2020 was ratified by membership.
08/04/20 – Union reviewing redline agreement from company’s draft document of CBA. Matter ongoing.
WNJU:
07/27/20 – Negotiations scheduled for 7/28 was postponed. Awaiting new date.
WADO:
07/31/20 – BM, BR, Counsel and company attorney held a conference call to discuss last best and final offer from the company. Union will be responding back with one counter. Matter ongoing.
ENTERCOM/WFAN/WINS:
07/20/20 – BM and IBEW participated with another bargaining session. Company and Union still have items open. Matter ongoing.
July 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS CORP
6/12/20 – CBS Management hosted a Zoom call with all labor organizations to provide safety guideline plans for re-opening of phase one of the Broadcast Center which would begin June 15th.
7/1/20 – Labor Relations responded to questions posed by the IBEW about re-opening of the CBS Broadcast Center.
CBS SPORTS
7/2/20 – Company setup another Zoom safety task force meeting to review the first four golf events on the PGA Tour.
CBS News
7/10/20 – BM has been working with International and fellow Business Managers as well as stewards over work and safety issues in the division. A call to action was emailed to membership from Union office. Matter ongoing.
WCBS
6/11/20 – BM, BR, ABM, Shop Steward and International held a conference call over photographers and reporters riding together during Covid-19 pandemic. Both sides came to an agreement on June 26th.
6/27/20 – BM held a shop meeting with photographers at WCBS on June 27th to review the terms. International Rep also participated.
7/4/20 – Company sent over the list of volunteers that will be driving with reporters for the first two weeks. Matter ongoing.
CBSN
6/16/20 – Company is prepared to proceed with voluntary recognition agreement. Union sent revisions to the draft. Both sides now determining a date for neutral card check with American Arbitrators Association. Matter ongoing.
CBS RADIO
6/10/20 – BM, BR, Counsel held a conference call with member adversely affected by staff lay-offs. Union and company agreeing to put member on disability.
HBO:
6/5/20 – HR notified BM and BR about on-site plan for return to work in the coming weeks from late June to mid-July.
FOX SPORTS:
6/30/20 – Company announced that USGA (United States Golf Association) has a new media partner. NBC Universal will pickup the remaining 6 years through 2026 of Fox Sports original 12-year deal that began in 2014.
7/1/20 – IBEW will be hosting a webinar on July 14th to discuss newly updated utility grid.
7/7/20 – IBEW International and BM’s spoke about MLS airing on Big Fox from Orlando, FL. Matter ongoing.
MSG:
7/06/20 – BM and Union Counsel held a Zoom meeting with company to review open items with contract.
WPIX:
6/9/20 – Union held conference call with committee over company one-year extension offer.
6/23/20 – Union held a Zoom Shop meeting with the members. One-year extension includes signing bonus to staff and per diems. Ballots were sent out on June 26th, ratification vote on July 10th passed unanimously.
6/30/20 – Union made information request for member who was terminated back in September of 2019. Upcoming arbitration date is set for August 18.
7/02/20 – BM, BR, Counsel and Shop Steward held a conference call regarding safety protocols in the field.
WNET:
7/03/20- Company sent over settlement agreement to grievance filed on behalf of the Union of members furloughed during April and May.
7/09/20- BM, BR, and Counsel held a shop meeting to review a 14-month extension to the current agreement which would include a 4-day furlough at the end of 2020. Ballots have gone out to members and vote is scheduled for 7/27/20.
WLIW:
7/01/20 – Company sent Union Memorandum of Understanding. Terms of a new deal include a 4-year extension with retro back to July 1, 2019. The agreement also includes wage increases, signing bonuses and upgrades to Maintenance and Engineers in the field. Ballots went out 7/9 and vote count is scheduled for 7/23/20.
SYSTEM ONE/ TEAM PEOPLE:
6/25/20 – Company sent over tentative MOU for Union to review. One-year extension includes wage increases for staff and per diem, overtime pay and additional PTO time. Matter ongoing.
STAGE 29/ DAILY MAIL:
7/06/20 – Company notified Union that new Assistant Editor will begin working on the show the week of July 6th.
WNJU:
6/30/20 – Both company and Union attorney spoke to update each other on status of contract negotiations. Union spoke with committee call on July 7th. Negotiations are looking to continue soon.
7/10/20 – BR and Counsel spoke to member who was given separation agreement. Company has granted the member a one-week extension to sign. Matter ongoing.
WXTV:
7/7/20 – BR spoke with Human Resources regarding wage increases and retro back to June 1, 2020 for technicians. The change will take effect July 15th.
TELE-MEASUREMENTS:
7/02/20 – (Site Visit) BR spoke to members about working conditions, contract, and safety regarding Covid-19. Wage increase went into effect on 7/1/20.
Prudential Center:
6/26/20 – Company notified Union that they have continued to pay members for previously scheduled events and games that were postponed or cancelled due to Covid-19.
ENTERCOM/WFAN/WINS:
6/26/20 – IBEW discussed contract items. Next bargaining session is slated for July 20th.
June 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS CORP
5/27/2020 – Viacom CBS announced layoffs. Members were given WARN notice of 90 days payment and medical. Matter ongoing.
CBS SPORTS
5/13/20 – IBEW and Company held another Zoom meeting webinar to implement a safety task force. First golf event at the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas will be on June 11th.
CBS News
5/29/2020 – Union filed four grievances under work jurisdiction related to CTM, CTS, FTN and the Evening Weekend News. Matter ongoing.
WCBS
5/27/20 – Union filed grievance over layoff procedures regarding staff employees for the purposes of replacing in the performance of their normal functions.
6/03/20 – BM, BR, Counsel and IBEW International Reps met with Management and Labor Relations over grievance regarding staff lay-offs.
COE
5/27/20 – Company notified unit of layoffs. Union seeking information request on layoffs. Matter ongoing.
MDC
6/05/20 – Management issued letter of warning to member. Matter ongoing.
HBO:
5/14/20 – Ratification vote passed unanimously. The term is a 4-year term that is retro back to October 25, 2019. Raises in each year of the contract for staff and per diem.
FOX SPORTS:
5/17/20 – NASCAR 2020 restarted on May 17th in Darlington, NC. Changes to production include daily screenings, PPE, social distancing in mobile units as well as installation of plexiglass between employees. Employees will also be assigned to functional groups to maintain safety at the remote site.
MSG:
5/29/20 – Company counsel notified Union that company is offering free antibody testing to eligible employees.
WPIX:
5/19/2020 – BM sent survey to members in anticipation of upcoming contract negotiations.
5/28/20 – Both sides discussed on the phone how to proceed with negotiations. Company responded with 1-year extension on 6/5/20. Matter ongoing.
6/4/20 – Union sending over information request for grievant. Next arbitration hearing originally set for June 12th has now been postponed to August 18th.
WNET:
6/5/20- Union trying to schedule time with company on upcoming negotiations. Agreement expired during the pandemic shutdown.
WLIW:
6/3/20 – President of the company sent memo that they will be reducing salaries on a scale and include a furlough period at the end of the year.
WNJU:
5/19/2020 – BM, BR held conference call with Management over member who was released prior to 90-day probationary period.
WADO:
5/21/20 – Union countered company proposals. Company responded with last best final offer on June 2nd. Union reviewing proposals.
Prudential Center:
6/2/20 – Company announced that part-time events will continue through June 30th. Among some of the events are High School graduations in compliance with CDC guidelines.
ENTERCOM/WFAN/WINS:
6/05/20 – BR spoke with members about salaries being adjusted back to current scale prior to April reduction. Members confirm they are now working back at current scale prior to reduction.
OFFICE:
5/12/20 – International held a Zoom Meeting on May 12th to review updates on local stations within each IBEW locals around the country / groups and how Covid-19 has affected the operations.
May 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS
4/29/20 – Company held a Zoom meeting to discuss the steps needed to return to live sports on a remote site. Follow up conversations are to continue with CBS Sports Management.
5/04/20 – CBS Sports and IBEW scheduled another Zoom meeting for May 13th laying out the safety protocols for their upcoming golf event at the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas on June 11th.
CBS News
4/24/20 – International Reps, BMs from 1212 and 1200 held a conference call and spoke to members about safety protocols in the field.
5/06/20 – International Reps, BM, BR and members of IBEW 1212 in News and WCBS held a Zoom meeting laying out the safety, and recent updates to workflows to company’s operation related to Covid-19.
COE
4/30/20 – Company notified unit of layoffs. Both BM and BR spoke to all members affected by the reduction in head count. Matter ongoing.
HBO:
5/05/20 – Ratification vote was due back on May 6th. The local has granted a one-week extension to members to May 14th.
FOX SPORTS:
4/28/20 – International Reps and BM’s spoke about upcoming conversations regarding NASCAR season continuing. Matter ongoing.
5/06/20 – Fox and IBEW held a Zoom meeting laying out the safety protocols for their upcoming NASCAR 2020 beginning May 17th in Darlington, NC.
MSG:
04/16/20 – BM, BR, Counsel held a Zoom meeting with full-time members over vacation changes to the Summer. Members are agreeable to company change in CBA. Matter appears closed.
WPIX:
04/15/20 – Union held a Zoom meeting with committee to discuss next steps for a new contract, matter ongoing.
5/06/20 – Union sending over information request for grievant. Next arbitration hearing is set for June 12th.
WNET:
4/14/20 – Conference call with Counsel, BM, BR and members adversely affected to company’s decision to furlough. Had follow up calls with members on 4/16 and on 4/24…. Matter ongoing.
5/05/20 – Grievance filed on behalf of members from bargaining unit that were arbitrarily furloughed.
WNJU:
4/21/20 – BM, BR, and Counsel held a Zoom meeting with committee members to review the current state of negotiations and discuss a response to the company.
04/29/20 – BM, BR, Counsel, held a conference call with Committee about proposals and company’s plans for next round of negotiations.
5/05/20 – Union sent over proposals to company for review and response. Company responded on May 6th that they are in receipt.
WXTV:
4/21/20 – BM, BR, and Counsel held a Zoom meeting with committee members to review proposed buyouts and control room implementation to automation.
5/01/20 – Company notified Union that three members between WXTV and WADO have agreed to accept the voluntary buyout program.
5/05/20 – Arbitration hearing initially set for May 15 has now been pushed to the Fall. Matter ongoing.
WADO:
5/01/20 – BR spoke with HR, Legal and Member agreeable to potential buyout offer. Awaiting paperwork from company. Matter ongoing.
5/6/20 – Company sent over last best final offer. BM, BR, and Counsel reviewing proposals. Matter ongoing.
ENTERCOM/WFAN/WINS:
4/21/20 – BM, BR, and Counsel held a Zoom meeting with members to review current practices and workflow at the station due to the Covid-19 pandemic and financial difficulty.
5/05/20 – International notified Business Managers that they will be speaking with company over salary reductions to unit related to Covid-19.
April 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS:
3/15/20 – CBS Sports committed to paying Technicians booked for the NCAA tournament up to and including, the Final Four as well as the four cancelled PGA Tour events (RBC Heritage, Zurich Classic, Wells Fargo Championship, and AT & T Byron Nelson). CBS will pay straight time hours for the days you were booked and will also make contributions to the Flex Plan and 401k plan. Travel only days from home to remote, or remote to home will not be paid out. However, any travel/workdays, travel days from remote to remote, and work/travel days that were scheduled will be paid out.
CBS News:
03/17/20 – CBS This Morning crew will go out of the Late Show into studio 50 starting Friday.
3/20/20 – The Ed Sullivan Theatre is playing host to CTM. Stephen Colbert will be dark for a few weeks. The rotation right now is 1 week on and 1 week off for technicians. The CBS Evening News is operating out of Washington – Control Room and Studio personnel. Staff technicians and 403g’s will continue to be compensated. Daily freelancers that were pre-scheduled to work and were booked for the coming week or weeks will continue to be paid through 4/11/2020.
4/01/20 – International, BM’s from IBEW 1212 and 1200 spoke with Labor Relations over some open items in news regarding Covid-19 policies, safety, and scheduling for full-time and freelance members.
4/08/20 – International spoke with BMs to review company policy on continuing to pay freelancers during Broadcast Center being closed. Company notified International that April 11th would be the last day they pay freelance members for previously scheduled work.
WCBS:
3/17/20 – The Station was asked to vacate the Broadcast Center on evening of March 17th. KCBS/ KCAL in LA handled transmission and content for the few days. Local then rented a studio and broadcasted out of YES Studios in Stamford, CT starting March 20th. As of Friday March 27th they started working out of 1700 Broadway and using CR55 in the broadcast center. WCBS is using a smaller crew for control room, ingest and maintenance.
COE:
03/12/19 – Broadcast Center closed and allowed for two days of extensive cleaning. Only departments that remained was TX, MPD, Satellite Control Center, Air Control and MDC. MDC continues to bounce back and force between NY AND LA.
Inside Edition will continue to be dark as well as all shows – Mel Robbins, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver. Everybody else can work remotely.
Newspath:
(Post Broadcast Center Shutting Down) – Working remotely
HBO:
3/16/20 – BR spoke with Shop Steward who notified Union that all Colorist and Grfx /Video started leaving the facility around 3/11. They are now editing from home. Post audio, Install, Maintenance were last to go – they left around the week of the 20th. Folks have a company laptop to edit and mix/ sweeten audio.
04/10/20 – BM, BR, Counsel, held a conference call with Committee about company’s latest counter proposal. Union will be notifying shop this week and then send vote out for ratification. Tentative deal would be 4 years with retro back to October and wage increases in each year.
FOX SPORTS:
03/11/20 – (Site Visit) BR met with Members and management at the Men’s Big East Tournament.
4/9/20 – Fox committed to pay all scheduled employees through the weekend of March 13th including those that were canceled for the Big East Tournament and other conference tournaments that were canceled due to Covid-19 pandemic. FOX Sports also announced they will compensate those of you who were also booked and confirmed to work from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 19, 2020 (or any part of that period). Days booked as travel days only are not included in this compensation. However, where applicable, FOX Sports will make appropriate contributions for pension, health and welfare.
MSG:
03/17/20 – Company announced freelancers will get paid for all scheduled days thru March 27th. With Professional leagues suspending play, company is beginning to make changes to their broadcast schedules. For all full-time employees, offices will be open but most working from outside of small group of maintenance that are coming in.
04/01/20 – BM, BR, Counsel held a conference call with Management and Legal Counsel about proposal regarding vacation and personal time for remainder of 2020. Did a follow up call on April 6th as well.
04/02/20 – BM, BR, Counsel held a conference call with committee to review when payment would discontinue for freelance members for pre-scheduled events, information on unemployment benefits and when the leagues may continue play. Matter ongoing.
04/09/20 – BM, BR, Counsel held a conference call with committee over company proposal regarding vacation and personal time for remainder of 2020. Union will be notifying rest of the full-time members about company’s plans. Matter ongoing.
WPIX:
04/01/20 – BM, BR, Counsel, Shop Steward spoke with Management about field crews getting breaks in their shift.
04/02/20 – BM, BR, Counsel, Shop Steward spoke with Management about upcoming negotiations. April 14, 15 and 16 dates have been postponed. Union will be reviewing proposals with committee this week and reach out to company for new dates.
WNET:
3/12/20 – Shop Steward informed Business Manager that office was closed Thursday and Friday (March 12th and 13th). WNET then elected to shut down for two weeks and personnel is on call if they need to go in.
WLIW:
03/15/20 – The building in NYC has been shut down since Thursday (3/16/20). There is a limited crew, but most are working from home to deliver shows.
Team People/ System One:
03/12/20 – Management informed Business Manager of future plans. They are asking full-timers to be available and freelancers as well. The UN/BCSS will continue to take steps to limit to the minimum number of staff who they require to be on site.
Sony:
03/13/20 – Management sent home technicians on Friday – March 13th. Technicians are not required on site unless it is imperative to be on the premises.
Stage 29:
Essential staff was in the office through Friday, March 20th. Graphics started working from home Friday, March 20th. Editors started working from home the week of the 23rd.
Tele-Measurements:
04/01/20 –BR spoke with Shop Steward, Business as usual for the technicians. Construction is still deemed essential personnel highlighted by State Government mandates.
WNJU:
3/16/20 – BR spoke with Shop Steward in regarding the company’s plans for the crews during the Covid-19 pandemic. Company has broken technical units into two teams (Team A and Team B). Team A worked from 3/16-3/29 and then has 2 weeks off. Team B is working 3/30-4/12. The teams are working – (6) 10-hour shifts.
04/03/20 – BM, BR, Counsel, held a conference call with Counsel for Company to discuss next steps in negotiations.
WXTV:
04/06/20 – BR Spoke to ABM and there is a small crew working at the station (TD, Audio Op, 2 guys for Edit, (1) for Grfx, (2) for Maintenance at the station). The field guys are out in the field feeding footage back – through the airspeed lines. Photogs are also editing in their trucks and at home.
WXTV Producers:
4/7/20 – Spoke to Committee member and all members of unit are working from home except Show Producers and Director.
WADO:
4/7/20 – Maintenance set up equipment to allow talent to work from home. Maintenance is also handing controls remotely and still operating the Transmitter sites. Board Ops and freelancers are working on the premises. All staff are getting paid.
Prudential Center:
3/26/20 – After prior discussions with the Union, the company issued a memo to its employees updating them on payment for the payroll period 3/12-3/25. If employees were scheduled for an event in that window, they will be paid their position rate of scale. The company will also pay for the events scheduled for 3/26 – 4/2 in the next pay cycle.
ENTERCOM/WFAN/WINS:
04/09/20 – Counsel spoke with Company attorney about latest impact company wide with Entercom due to the Covid-19 pandemic. IBEW Engineers have not been affected but Union is still speaking with company. Matter ongoing.
March 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS:
02/20/20 – International Reps, BM and BR speaking about ICAP request on behalf of member arbitrarily dismissed last April 2019. Matter ongoing.
02/23/20 – (Site Visit) BR met with members and management at Seton Hall vs ST Johns at the Prudential Center.
CBS News:
02/3/20 – International spoke with BM from IBEW 1212 and 1200 to resolve outstanding issues in the field. Matter is now moving to Arbitration related to pool feeds and live to records.
CBSN:
02/05/20 – BM, BR and Counsel spoke with Labor Relations over voluntary recognition for Editors/ Video Producers. Drafted letter was sent to company on March 3rd.
COE:
12/03/19: IBEW Reps and BM did a follow up call on 12/3 and 12/10 about consolidation of COE. Both sides spoke again in LA at CBS Halfly & are meeting on 3/11 at Labor Relations office.
02/28/20: BR met with Shop Steward, member and HR involving issue at Ed Sullivan Theatre. Matter is still ongoing.
Newspath:
02/21/20: Vice President submitted grievance involving member whose overtime hours were canceled on 2/13. Union has drafted grievance, matter ongoing.
03/02/20: HR has sent out a memo to member to work from home starting March 3rd and returning March 14th due to precautions related to the virus.
HBO:
01/16/20 – Shop meeting held with members to review terms and conditions to new proposed contract. Contract vote did not pass.
02/21/20 – Shop meeting held with members.
03/02/20 – Shop meeting held with members on 3/2 and presented wage increase in year one and retro. Matter ongoing.
FOX SPORTS:
03/04/20 – Company has elected to produce their studio pre and post shows of the Big East Tournament back at their West Coast facilities and have elected to cancel the production at MSG. Game play will remain as scheduled.
MSG:
02/24/20 – Both sides met for another round of negotiations. Next date is not set.
03/01/20 – Union has prepared comprehensive response to company’s proposals, circulating to committee – matter ongoing.
WPIX:
12/03/19 – Steward notified Union Office of IBEW Video Journalist at the station. Both sides spoke again on February 4th. Union and company will meet on March 20th to try and resolve the grievance.
01/08/20 – Terminated member spoke with BM, BR and Union Counsel. Arbitration date is set for March 10th, 2020. Prepped with member on 2/11, 2/26 and 3/2.
WLIW:
02/20/20 – Union and company met for another round of negotiations. There is a tentative four-year deal in place. Both sides reviewing terms contingent on language.
Team People/ System One:
02/18/19 – Union and company met for round of negotiations. There is a tentative deal in place. Awaiting MOU from the company.
Sony:
02/05/19 – Union spoke with management on January 4th. Union is sent information request on February 5th. Company responded on 3/6. Union attorney will be contacting Sony’s legal team next week for further discussions.
WNJU:
02/25/20 – Another round of negotiations. No date set to meet yet for future bargain sessions.
03/02/20 – Company would like to extend 90-day probationary period an additional 90 days. Union reviewing request and will respond to Management.
WXTV:
03/04/20 – ABM notified Union that new staff full-time photographer started on March 2nd.
03/05/20 – Union spoke to committee regarding impact bargaining and changes to the control room. Matter ongoing.
WADO:
2/14/20 – Both sides met for another round of negotiations. Next session is set for March 16th.
ENTERCOM/WFAN/WINS:
2/12/20 – (Site Visit) BM and BR met with members to update them on the negotiations with National and Local contracts.
2/27/20 – International and BM’s from National Contract reviewed company’s counter proposals and sent package back to company on 3/3.
February 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS:
12/30/19 – Member spoke with BM, BR and Union Counsel about loss of work in field on golf. Matter ongoing.
01/06/20 – International Office updated BM’s about the Big 3 league. Matter appears resolved.
CBS News:
02/3/19 – International spoke with BM from IBEW 1212 and 1200 to resolve outstanding issues in the field. Matter likely moving to an ICAP. Matter ongoing.
CBSN:
02/05/20 – BM, BR and Counsel spoke with Labor Relations over voluntary recognition for Editors/ Video Producers.
WCBS:
12/02/19 – Union Counsel and BR met with Labor Relations and IATSE Local 1 reps on arbitration hearing held on 1/13/20. Awaiting Arbitration award, matter ongoing.
COE:
12/03/19: IBEW Reps and BM did a follow up call on 12/3 and 12/10 about consolidation of COE. Both sides spoke in LA at CBS Halfly and agree on implementation of CBSOne.
HBO:
01/16/20 – Shop meeting held with members to review terms and conditions to new proposed contract. Contract vote did not pass, both sides will continue negotiations.
02/04/20 – Steward filed a grievance for work being pushed to air. Union reviewing the matter.
FOX SPORTS:
01/29/20 – International, Business Managers and Management held a conference call to review agenda items related to Super Bowl, Golf, XFL and onboarding policies company is looking to implement.
02/01/20 – (Site Visit) BR met with members and management at Seton Hall vs Xavier at the Prudential Center.
MSG:
01/15/20 – Union and company met for another round of negotiations.
02/06/20 – Union and company meeting for another round of negotiations. Both sides also meeting on 2/24 and tentatively 2/28.
WPIX:
12/03/19 – Steward notified Union Office of IBEW Video Journalist at the station. Both sides spoke again on February 4th. Union pursuing matter to grievance procedure. Matter ongoing.
01/08/20 – Terminated member spoke with BM, BR and Union Counsel. Arbitration date is set for March 10, 2020. First round of preparation will begin on February 11th.
WLIW:
01/15/20 – Union and company met for another round of negotiations.
01/30/20 – Union and company met for another round of negotiations. Next date has not been set yet. Both sides looking to meet in the next two weeks.
Team People/ System One:
12/30/19 – Union and company have agreed to extend the current agreement to February of 2020. Both sides preparing to meet for negotiations by end of February.
Sony:
02/05/19 – Union spoke with management on January 4th. Union is now asking the company for an information request regarding mastering work. Matter ongoing.
WNJU:
02/03/20 – Next round of negotiations with company is February 25th, 2020.
WXTV:
01/10/19 – Union and Company had a Labor Management Meeting back on 11/21/19. Union elected to file for arbitration on upgrades related to producer, director functions as well as utilization of MMJ’s. Union has withdrawn grievances without prejudice related to timesheets and overtime.
01/30/20 – Union and Company scheduled a call regarding changes to control room. Matter ongoing.
WADO:
01/27/20 – Both sides met for another round of negotiations. Next date to meet is set for February 14th.
Office:
01/15-1/19/20 – BR, Shop Stewards at WNJU and E-Board member participated in the 2020 EWMC Conference in Chicago, IL.
January 2020
BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
CBS:
CBS SPORTS:
11/7/19 – Member reached out about travel expense from remote site and member removed from schedule. BR reached out to Management on 12/16. Matter ongoing.
12/07/19 – (Site Visit) BR met with members and management at Jets vs Dolphins, Week 14.
12/14/19 – (Site Visit) BM met with members and management at CBS Broadcast Center. BR met with members and management at Giants vs Dolphins, Week 15.
12/21/19 – (Site Visit) BR met with members and management at Jets vs Steelers, Week 16.
12/30/19 – Member spoke with BM, BR and Union Counsel about loss of work in field on golf. Matter ongoing.
01/05/20 – Steward notified Union about non-Union employee doing work in graphics control room. Union reviewing matter.
01/06/20 – International updated BM’s the Big 3 league. Matter ongoing.
CBS Newspath:
01/2/20 – Vice President of Union notified BM about Member regarding misconduct.
WCBS:
11/27/19 – Union drafted letter to company on proposed remedy for prosumer usage/week. Awaiting a response from company.
12/02/19 – BM, BR spoke to former hyphenated member about arbitration award. Hearing on 1/13/20. Matter ongoing.
01/10/20 – ABM notified Union of CBSN-NY doing show for Atlanta CW Station Mon-Friday at 10pm. Matter ongoing
COE:
12/03/19: IBEW Reps and BM did a follow up call on 12/3 and 12/10 about consolidation of COE. Matter ongoing.
01/07/20 – BM has spoken with Labor Relations about a member’s request for pre-retirement leave. Company is reviewing the matter.
HBO:
11/26/19 – Negotiations continued, both sides have agreed to a tentative deal. The proposed contract would a 4-year agreement. Committee held a conference call on December 10th to review changes. Shop meeting is set for January 16th.
FOX SPORTS:
12/29/19 – (Site Visit) BR met with members and management at Giants vs. Eagles, Week 16 NFL Season at MetLife Stadium.
01/09/20 – International, BM’s and Management will host a Labor Management Meeting at the site of Super Bowl LIV (54) in Miami.
MSG:
12/04/19 – Negotiations continue, next date set to meet is January 15th.
WPIX:
12/03/19 – Steward notified Union Office of IBEW Video Journalist at the station. BM spoke to Management about usage and had follow call with committee on January 8th.
12/13/19 – Committee held a conference call with Union over driving policy implemented by Scripps. Both sides looking to meet soon to discuss impact.
01/03/20 – Instagram video shot in the studio by non-IBEW personnel. Union spoke with management on January 6th and company agreed it was a violation.
01/08/20 -Terminated member terminated spoke with BM, BR and Union Counsel regarding latest offer from company about reinstatement. Case will move to arbitration.
WLIW:
12/16/19– Negotiations will commence, next date is set for January 15.
Team People/ System One:
12/30/19 – Union and company have agreed to extend the current agreement to February of 2020 so both sides can meet for negotiations.
WNJU:
12/9/19 – Both Union and company met at NBC for a benefits meeting. No date yet set for next negotiation.
WXTV:
01/10/19 – Union and Company had a Labor Management Meeting back on 11/21/19. Company responded, both sides also agreed to extend time to file for arbitration. Matter ongoing.
01/8/20 – Union and Company are looking to schedule a call regarding changes to control room. Matter ongoing.
WADO:
12/11/19 – Negotiations continued. Next date is set for January 3rd.
1/03/20 – Negotiations continued. Next date is set for January 8th.
01/08/20 – Negotiations continued. Next date is set for January 27th.
Office:
12/10, 12/12/19 – Sean Dugan from Entertainment Flex Plan and met with members at CBS, Ed Sullivan Theatre and Union Office over 2 days.