The Writers Guild of America (WGA) reached a tentative deal with
about 500 Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) news writers and other
employees Wednesday, thus resolving a labor dispute.
The contract covers some 500 CBS news writers, editors, desk
assistants, production assistants, graphic artists, promotion
writers and researchers working locally and nationally for
television and radio.
A statement released by CBS said: "We are gratified that a
tentative agreement has been reached so that CBS and its valued WGA
news employees can put this chapter behind us. Our focus throughout
the process has been on reaching a fair agreement and we think this
contract is good for both sides."
The CBS employees had been working without a contract for nearly
two years. The possibility of a strike by the network employees
even prompted the Democratic National Committee to cancel a
presidential debate that had been planned last month in Los Angeles
for broadcast on CBS.
The proposed contract, which still must be ratified by union
members, would include raises of 3.5-percent upon ratification and
again in 2009,according to the WGA.
Most regularly scheduled employees who worked 200 days or more
in 2007 and did not receive raises during the negotiations will
receive payments of 3,700 dollars. Employees who worked less would
receive pro-rated payments.
"This has been a long struggle, but our members became mobilized
and engaged in a way they have never been before," said Mona
Mangan, executive director of the WGA, East. "This contract truly
belongs to them."
Patric M. Verrone, president of the WGA, West, said he now hoped
the CBS will return to the bargaining table to reach a deal with
striking film and television writers.
The film and television writers' strike began in November, and
negotiations broke down on Dec. 7. No new talks have been scheduled
and as a result, Hollywood scribes are still on the picket
lines.
(Xinhua/Agencies January 11, 2008)