• WorldScreen.com, Monday, March 26, 2007 11:15 AM

NABET-CWA, a union representing about 2,500 technicians, camera operators, news writers and others at ABC, has suspended talks with the broadcaster, due to concerns over job security and pension. The union and ABC had been meeting for weeks to work out a new contract to replace the one that expires March 31.

"The union bargaining committee's review of ABC's proposals found nothing but company attacks on the seniority system, attacks on the pension plan, despite the plan being financially healthy, attacks on jurisdiction of work and attacks on a multitude of other work rules and conditions," says NABET-CWA President John Clark.

"These attacks come on top of ABC's apparent refusal to consider new training and job opportunities for workers as the industry's technology rapidly evolves." A big point of contention is that ABC wants to freeze the pension plan, a move the union estimates would cut the average participant's benefit by almost 25 percent. "The pension proposal will pull the rug out from underneath people who are depending on it for their retirement security after a lifetime of service to ABC," Clark said. "It is deplorable."

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