WRGB-TV Management to Implement Pay Cuts; 

Spitzer, NYSUT Pull Ad Campaigns

Albany, NY - March 29, 2006.   After failing to force the union into accepting pay cuts at the bargaining table, WRGB-TV/CBS 6 management is now using legal maneuvering to try and impose them. 

In a letter to NABET-CWA Local 21, attorneys for CBS 6 said "in light of the ongoing impasse in contract negotiations" the station has decided to implement pay cuts effective April 1, 2006.  The union believes contract negotiations are not at an impasse.  In a letter to station attorneys, NABET-CWA Local 21 responded, "The Union has been and continues to be willing to bargain on all aspects of this contract.  The Union will continue to pursue all avenues open to us to reach a fair agreement for our members."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer began an advertising campaign on CBS 6.  NABET-CWA Local 21 and Capital District labor officials contacted the Spitzer campaign to inform them of the union's fight for a fair contract.  Those ads are no longer running on the station.

New York State United Teachers also pulled its ads off CBS 6.  Alan B. Lubin, NYSUT Executive Vice President said, "We refuse to support the CBS affiliate until a decent and equitable contract can be negotiated and implemented for its workers."  NYSUT joins CSEA,  the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) and United University Professions (UUP) in leaving CBS 6 out of their media campaigns.

CBS 6, owned by Freedom Communications of Irvine, California, has proposed 15% pay cuts for many union members and turning many full time jobs into part time.  It has already frozen the pensions of some employees.  NABET-CWA represents photographers, engineers and technicians at the station.

No new talks between the company and union have been scheduled.