Union Time

[sinklair]

M60: I no longer work at 25-66. But if I had to pay union dues to force management to negotiate with the labor force — as opposed to what happened — yes, absolutely. It would be worth the cost considering everyone who was laid off, the worsening work conditions, and the least amount of local news being provided in the station’s recent history. Yes, most of the remaining workers would probably sign up in a heartbeat for fair representation.

[sinklair]

They probably did save more jobs than Sinclair cast off recently…

[Deleted User 15555]

The union saved many of our jobs at 5 at the start of the pandemic while the rest of Meredith suffered pay cuts.

[Soundchaser]

The union saved many of our jobs at 5 at the start of the pandemic while the rest of Meredith suffered pay cuts.

How may jobs did they save after 5 started being hubbed in Atlanta?
Or when 12 was hubbed out of Ohio?
Same Union.

[Soundchaser]

M60: I no longer work at 25-66. But if I had to pay union dues to force management to negotiate with the labor force — as opposed to what happened — yes, absolutely. It would be worth the cost considering everyone who was laid off, the worsening work conditions, and the least amount of local news being provided in the station’s recent history. Yes, most of the remaining workers would probably sign up in a heartbeat for fair representation.

Because the union spared so many jobs over the years, right?

NABET couldn't save jobs at 12. After every sale 12 lost jobs from their unit. They had a layoff clause that really only benefited long time employees. And the company could dance around that clause all day. The payout for for short timers was pitiful.

[sinklair]

Ask the people who are now unemployed from Sinclair’s 25-66-46

[Soundchaser]

Ask the people who are now unemployed from Sinclair’s 25-66-46

Stink.
Explain how the union would have helped these people.

[sinklair]

Reread my previous posts. Find someone to help you sound out the big words.

[Soundchaser]

Reread my previous posts. Find someone to help you sound out the big words.

What, are you pouting now?
It's a legitimate question.
What would a union have done for those layed off?

[Herm]

In 2008 when there was a big round of lay-offs at WEYI the official statement from the union rep was, “I can’t tell the company how to run itself into the ground.”
There isn’t really much that a union can do to stop a company from eliminating positions.

[sinklair]

Be careful, Herm. You’re talking about an off-air employee!

The fact that we had less than effective representation at one station doesn’t mean that there aren’t examples where unions worked effectively with employers to improve pay and work conditions.

Unions aren’t perfect… but they have to be better than what we are getting with Sinclair and its singular decision to lay off most the staff and cut entire newscasts so it can increase profit margins.

[HD74]

Better call Betty.

[Herm]

Be careful, Herm. You’re talking about an off-air employee!

The fact that we had less than effective representation at one station doesn’t mean that there aren’t examples where unions worked effectively with employers to improve pay and work conditions.

Unions aren’t perfect… but they have to be better than what we are getting with Sinclair and its singular decision to lay off most the staff and cut entire newscasts so it can increase profit margins.

C’mon dude… stay on topic.
Unions absolutely have been effective in improving working conditions. I’m not denying that at all. I’m just saying that a Union probably wouldn’t have been able to stop any layoffs or show cancelations in this situation.

[Soundchaser]

When you pay about 1.5 % in dues, it really doesn't make much sense to have someone negotiate you a 2% raise. Plus all contracts are written to favor the employer. That's a fact. 12s contract isn't worth the paper it is written on.
Unions are useless in this day and age.

[sinklair]

That’s the wrong equation. You should compare 1.5% of a job or 0% with no job.