In Depth
CBS News Writers May Strike
More than 500 CBS News employees who are members of the Writers Guild of America are scheduled to vote Thursday on whether they will authorize their own strike.
Those involved range from news writers and editors to desk assistants, promotion writers and researchers working for the network and its owned TV and radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington.
They have been working without a contract since April 2005 and without a raise since April 2004. A year ago, they nearly unanimously rejected the network’s last offer. Representatives of the two sides last met in early January.
In a statement posted on the WGA, East, Web site, WGAE President Michael Winship said, “We expect those members to use their strike authorization to tell management that the nearly three years they have gone without a contract is unconscionable, short-sighted and destructive.”
A CBS representative said: “We gave them a fair and final offer nearly a year ago, which they urged their members to reject. This offer remains on the table.”
Among other things, the guild seeks a raise of 13 percent over 41/2 years for its members. It says the CBS offer included a two-tier wage package, one for TV and network radio workers and one for local radio, and the right to merge guild and non-guild shops.
It was unclear at the end of last week how the vote might go and whether that would lead to any immediate work action.
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Comments 9
barbara kenerly
Hire non union writers don't let these writers hold EVERYONE hostage..their writing isn't worth a darn in most cases
barbara kenerly
Hire non union writers don't let these writers hold EVERYONE hostage..their writing isn't worth a darn in most cases
barbara kenerly
Hire non union writers don't let these writers hold EVERYONE hostage..their writing isn't worth a darn in most cases
chantelle camadine
i love the writers , love the shows, isn't there a way we all can be happy, a compromise
Apres Ski
I always wonder if those people who are so quick to hire non-union for others, would forgo their raises or contracts so fast? (b. kenerly)
And yes,there is a compromise. Give them a raise & a contract because those holding the purse strings now will be out of a job later. Isn't that always the story?
And some of those old stuff shirts who aren't willing to bend now, will be back in the job market because of divorce, medical, or legal problems. Just wait, it never fails. One of those 3 I listed, will bring them back and they'll need the help of those they refused . . .
What goes around comes back around . . .
That NEVER FAILS!!!!!
steve benton
Suport the writers guild of america the networks are makeing millions of dollars off of them it is about time they give them a fair contract!! I hope CBS writers do walk off the job and give more suport to the other writers. If you go out in force and stick together you will win this battle. That is wy we need unions otherwise corprate america will try to walk all over you. Other companies will tell you they pay union scale or better but if there were not unions they would try to pay you as least as possible.
Steve B
steve benton
Suport the writers guild of america the networks are makeing millions of dollars off of them it is about time they give them a fair contract!! I hope CBS writers do walk off the job and give more suport to the other writers. If you go out in force and stick together you will win this battle. That is wy we need unions otherwise corprate america will try to walk all over you. Other companies will tell you they pay union scale or better but if there were not unions they would try to pay you as least as possible.
Steve B
chad
gimme a break, it's about time we let these anchors write their own stuff anywy
kay
How about not joining a UNION?!!!!! Use the money you pay in "dues" to off set any $ you are looking to aquire! Why doesn't anyone see that unions BRAIN WASH people into thinking they are for them! THEY ARE FOR THE HIGH END SUITS THEY WEAR TO THE "NEGOTIATINS". Look what "unions" have done to AMERICA'S CAR INDUSTRY! Talented people should not worry about their jobs. Believe in yourself...... NOT the UNION!!!!