Fox plays hardball with KTVU IBEW/Local 45...this is the union representing the technical workers who work behind the scenes at Channel 2, (where it takes over ownership in the fall)--as you could imagine, there's considerable angst and a lot of nervous people.A longtime tech staffer just sent me this memo:
Our union rep at Local IBEW 45, tells us that Fox Network has let the union know that while they recognize the union, they do not recognize the contract that IBEW has negotiated on behalf of the current staff. Not sure what this brings down the road, but it is not going to be a rosy transition if this is the first shot fired across the deck.
This is going to get ugly, folks. *Developing...
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Well, the fact that they want anchors to dick with their own Promptr speaks volumes right there. And what do those kinds of people make? Peanuts. But I'm sure the first thing the execs will do when they move in is remodel their executive offices (the way the Young Broadcasting deadweight at KRON did when they moved in) to the tune of many times more than the Promptr people make in a lifetime. Somehow there's always money for the executives' playthings, but never any for actual worker-bees.
ReplyDeleteOne small point...at KTVU the prompter operators (who do a myriad of other chores ..not just prompter..) are not union. What else you know anon at 2pm
DeleteDoesn't the current contract have a successor clause in it? You know, where the contract becomes part of the station obligations in the sale or transfer of license? That doesn't mean that Fox could say, "when this contract is up, the word will change." Will it get ugly? Yes but it doesn't mean you give up before the noise starts.
ReplyDeleteIf Fox doesn't believe in honoring an existing labor contract I think the legal term for it is Unfair Labor Practice. The Feds may welcome a chance to knock some sense into Fox. Big guys fall harder then little guys.
ReplyDeleteTake it to court, a fight to the finish. Fox will make their life miserable, they won't want to work there.
ReplyDeleteHow does Tom Vacar fit in the plans at KTVU in the future?
ReplyDeleteFox will win. Successor clause only good if approved by the purchaser. Current owner has nothing to say. The IBEW local can go on strike, but they won't because it will only piss off everyone else and no one can afford a job loss. The union mantra, as is happening everywhere today, is weak. Same with SAG/AFTRA. They go through the motions to the rank and file but are essentially powerless in this day and age. FOX will either go open shop or redo the contract in watered down form in a big way. Can't depend on those unions these days. Lots of people will work very short shifts, like grocery store union workers. Lots of rhetoric coming. The union will cave. It has nothing to stand on in the market to keep everybody employed. Won't rock the boat, no matter the threats.
DeleteFox in Los Angeles is a NABET signatory. I've belonged to all three-IBEW, NABET and IATSE-and the IEBW is the weakest in broadcast. CBS is their main signatory but it's really an afterthought to their electrical workers.
DeleteThis is how this game gets played. Fox will now attempt to get the employees to decertify under the premise the company has more to offer as far as benefits and maybe even a little cash up front. IBEW is going to get pushed into a corner because the contract offer that is coming their way won't be pretty.
ReplyDeleteKTVU folks might be happy to get out from their old regime and be done with their news director and general manager, but what's coming in is going to be a splash of cold water to the face. Fasten the seatbelt and have a parachute standing by.
Anon at 12:30...the people under the news director have no IBEW affiliation.
DeleteThe video editors and engineers who are in IBEW ....those will be the ones affected. But fox most likely will run KTVU like they do Fox Sports One and KTTV and Fox Pico....have a union contract ....but lay off everyone and have them come back as "day hires".....see...that's what "job creators" do.
That one kind of went over your head 6:50. I think the point being made was KTVU people might not like their ND or GM. It has nothing to do with union oversight.
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