fall 2017 communications workers of america, afl-cio ... · region 5 - james “suds” sudweeks...

• NABET NEWS • Fall 2017

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N A T I O N A L A S S O C I A T I O N O F B R O A D C A S T E M P L O Y E E S & T E C H N I C I A N ST H E B R O A D C A S T I N G A N D C A B L E T E L E V I S I O N W O R K E R S S E C T O R O F T H E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S W O R K E R S O F A M E R I C A

Printed in the U.S.A.

NABETCWA News

FALL 2017

Labor Day 2017

Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO501 3rd St, NW, Washington, DC 20001

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The first Labor Day – held in 1882 –was the idea of the Central LaborUnion of New York, which proposed

a celebration honoring the Americanworker. Street parades and othercelebrations were a way for the public toshow its appreciation for the work of thetrade and labor organizations. It became afederal holiday in 1894, when 30 statesofficially celebrated Labor. Today, on the first Monday of September

each year, Labor Day is a statutory holidayin all U.S. states, the District of Columbia,and the U.S. territories, which continue theparade tradition (Pittsburgh’s parade isconsidered one of the largest). NABET-CWA locals in Detroit, Buffalo, Chicago,and Burbank shared their experiences ofthis year’s holiday.

Detroit

“Rise Up Unions: Fight for Your Rights”Forty members of the Detroit MetroMedia Council/CWA joined the DetroitLabor Day March, whose theme was“Rise Up Unions: Fight for Your Rights.”NABET-CWA Local 43 PresidentDorethea Brown-Maxey and member JackBallomo marched with the group on thestreets of downtown Detroit. They joinedthousands of fellow union members,politicians and elected officials. LizShuler, AFL-CIO Secretary/Treasurer,also participated in this event.

Buffalo

“Labor Unions Make America Great”Local 25 President/RVP2 Roy Schrodt andLocal 25 Vice President Bob Hellwitzmarched along with fellow CWA localsand many other unions from Western NewYork in the Buffalo Central Labor Council,AFL-CIO Labor Day Parade in SouthBuffalo, NY. The parade’s theme this yearwas “Labor Unions Make America Great.”The large parade is followed by a picnicsponsored by all of the participatingunions. The picnic includes food, livemusic, and entertainment for kids. Thisyear’s parade, which took marchers along a1¼ mile route, included 5,000 marchers,2,500 spectators, and 2,000 picnickers,Schrodt reported.

ChicagoThe Labor Day holiday in Chicago is rootedin the city’s Southside history. Congresscreated Labor Day following the deadly1894 Pullman Strike in Pullman, Chicago.The city’s Labor community celebrated thathistory on the Saturday before Labor Dayduring the Southeast Side Labor DayParade. NABET-CWA Local 41 members,wearing their red NABET-CWA shirts,marched with fellow union members andattended a Friends of Labor Festival thattook place afterward at Steelworkers Park.

Burbank

“Union Proud—Union Strong”NABET-CWA Local 53 Vice President JoeAyala and Local 53 Treasurer LouisGabriele participated in the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition 38thAnnual Labor Day Parade. The parade —with the theme “Union Proud—UnionStrong” — brought together thousands ofunion members and their families, as wellas state and local officials, for the marchdown Avalon Boulevard in Wilmington, CA.

Local 53 truck in Labor Day parade (Photo credit: Louis Gabriele)

CWA Metromedia Council marchers take to thestreet, incl. Local 43 President Dorethea Brown-Maxey (fourth from right).

Local 25President/RVP2 Roy Schrodt(at right) andLocal 25 VPBob Hellwitz

Local 53 VicePresident JoeAyala (left) andSecretary LouisGabriele (farright) at LaborDay parade withAyala’sdaughtersAmanda andCassandra andwife Rose

RAB Meeting 2017 – Pittsburgh

Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14)and L43 President Dorethea Brown-Maxey(at right)

story on page

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Local 53 Vice President Joe Ayala andSecretary Cheryl Bacon

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The attacks on our industry and livelihood must stop

P R E S I D E N T ’ SP E R S P E C T I V E

Official Publication of theCommunications Workers ofAmerica (AFL-CIO, CLC)International Union Headquarters501 3rd Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001-2797Phone: (202) 434-1100

CWA News (ISSN 0007-9227) is published quarterly Jan/Feb/March,

April/May/June, July/Aug/Sept, and Oct/Nov/Dec byCommunications Workers of America, 501 3rd Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20001-2797. Postage Paid at Washington,D.C. and additional mailing offices

Postmaster: Send address changes to NABET-CWA NEWS, at 501 Third St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001-2797. Phone: 202-434-1254 E-mail: [email protected] to all active and retired NABET-CWA members.This issue contains no paid advertising.

Please send news items to: NABET-CWA NEWS, CWA, c/o Jill Gallagher Freelance Public Relations and Editorial Services 9819 Haverhill Drive, Kensington, MD 20895 Phone/Fax: 301-933-1415 E-mail: [email protected]

Editor: Jill GallagherLayout:Chadick + Kimball

Sector Officers

Charles Braico, Sector PresidentLouis Marinaro, Sector Vice President

Regional Vice PresidentsRegion 1 - Cristina SilverRegion 2 - Roy SchrodtRegion 3 - Maurice “Moe” ThomasRegion 4 - Donald R. Farnham, Jr.Region 5 - James “Suds” SudweeksRegion 6 - William Wachenschwanz

Throughout thepresidentialcampaign,

Donald Trumpmade the “MSM”(Main StreamMedia) hispunching bag. His

attacks have only increased after theelection, starting with hisquestioning of reported inauguralcrowd size (backed up by photos),and more recently, calling journalists“truly dishonest people” when hispublic remarks over the deadly whitenationalist protest in Charlottesville,VA, were met with near-universaldisgust. By labeling unflatteringstories “fake news” and launchingattacks on individual journalists, thePresident of the United States ofAmerica is undermining one of thekey institutions of our democracyand putting journalists at personaland professional risk.“I mean CNN is really bad, but

ABC this morning,” Trump said at a“Unite the Right” rally in Phoenix,AZ on Aug. 22. "I don’t watch it

NABET-CWA Sector President Charlie Braico

much but I’m watching in themorning and they have little GeorgeStephanopoulos talking to NikkiHaley.”Trump then called out the “failing

New York Times” and “pathetic”CNN, and called The WashingtonPost a “lobbying tool for Amazon.”He called journalists “liars” and“sick people” who are “trying to takeaway our history and our heritage.”He told the crowd, “I really thinkthey don't like our country.”A Trump re-election campaign ad

unveiled the day after theCharlottesville rally showed thefaces of a dozen members of thenews media, calling them “theenemy.” While covering Hurricane Harvey

and the president’s first visit toHouston, CNN reporter Nick Valencia(@CNNValencia) tweeted: “I justwalked on the tarmac to cover@realDonaldTrump’ visit to Corpusand was heckled by a crowdshouting derogatory things.Unbelievable.”Valencia and NABET-CWA

members are DOING THEIR JOBS.In the case of Valencia and otherscovering the hurricane, they aredoing their jobs while alsoperforming a public service bytelling people how to get help,encouraging donations and, at times,rescuing people from dangeroussituations. Just days later, during a second trip

to Houston, Trump praised the CoastGuard for saving 11,000 people,while also using the vast presscoverage to get in another dig at thepress: “Think of it, almost 11,000people by going into winds that themedia would not go into,’ Trumpsaid, smiling. “They will not go intothose winds, unless it's a really goodstory.”Not only do the president’s

provocative comments help todiminish the news media to the

public, sowing doubt about whetherto believe what is being reported,they also put journalists at personalrisk. When a person with as large amegaphone as the president, whoseviews are covered around the world,launches these types of attacks, itcreates an extremely dangerousatmosphere for journalists. Iencourage our members to maketheir safety a priority, and to reportany threats or dangerous situationsthey encounter while doing theirjobs. Press freedom is a core democratic

value that is written into the U.S.constitution; it is our guaranteedright to search out and report thetruth. We must remain vigilant,however, as these protections arechallenged and mocked by theperson who has been elected topreserve and protect these rights.

NABET-CWA at WorkNABET-CWA Local 16 members working at ABC televisionin New York City. As members of the SystemsMaintenance And Assembly Group ( S.M.A.G.), they arecurrently running fiber optic cables for the ongoingupgrades to the network's broadcast equipment. Thesebroadcast professionals are all long-time employees whohave perfected their craft along the way. Pictured on theladder in the back is engineer Doug Graham. Next tohim, on the ground, is Engineer Anthony Esposito. In theforefront, Engineer Vinnie Lubrano is up on the ladderand Engineer Rob Morris is beside him. (Photo credit:Steve Francis)

NABET-CWAWelcomes NewStaffRepresentative

NABET-CWA announced the hiring ofLocal 25 Steward Ronald Gabalski asthe union’s new Staff Representative.

Gabalski, a NABET-CWA member for 26years, fills the vacancy left by Lou Fallot’sretirement inSeptember.“I am pleased that

we had seven deeplypassionate anddedicated applicantsfor this jobvacancy,” saidSector PresidentCharlie Braico.“While I wish wecould have hired allseven of these finepeople, NABET-CWA will be extremelywell-served by Ron Gabalski for manyyears to come.”Gabalski began his career in 1988 as a

television news photographer for WKSNNews in Jamestown, NY. From 1991-1994,he worked as a technician/photographer forWICU-TV in Erie, PA, and, finally, as aphotojournalist/editor at WIVB-TV inBuffalo from 1994 to present.Gabalski was first elected as Steward at

WICU-TV in 1994. After moving toBuffalo, he became the Chief Steward atWIVB-TV in 2000. Over the past 17 years,he has participated in six contractnegotiations at WIVB, including thehistoric lockout of half the bargaining unitin 1999 and, in 2005, when the unionnegotiated a five-year agreement. Currently,he is a member of the bargaining committeethat is in contract talks with WIVB’s newowner, Nexstar Media, which he explained,“has exposed me to situations that requiredthe use of seemingly every tool in the labormovement’s tool box.”In addition to formal CWA and AFL-CIO

training, Gabalski gained first-handexperience when he shadowed NABET-CWA Staff Representative Eric Seggiduring bargaining with WJET-TV in Erieand accompanied Seggi and StaffRepresentative Bill Murray during anorganizing effort in Rochester, NY.In his new job, Gabalski said he hopes

“to use my years of ground-level experienceand relevant specialized training as anactivist and union leader in NABET-CWA tobe an effective, full-time voice for ourmembers and help guide those members onhow to use their collective power.”

Ron Gabalski

U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

On August 2, the Freedom of thePress Foundation and more than 20press freedom organizationslaunched the U.S. Press FreedomTracker – a website dedicated todocumenting press freedom abusesacross the United States. Itcurrently shows that 19 journalistshave been arrested in the course oftheir work in 2017 and that at least10 reporters are facing charges. In2017, at least four journalists havebeen stopped at the border and 11have faced physical attacks.

Syracuse delegation in CWA Strong Class

Social Media class

The Chicago delegation, left to right: L. 41 PresidentDon Villar, Delegate Raza Siddiqui, CWA PresidentChris Shelton and Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens,Dan Moreno and Sector President Charlie Braico

OrganizingClass


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R A B 2 0 1 7The Regional Advisory Board for Regions 2 and 6 held its annual

meeting on August 5-6 in Pittsburgh. The RAB consists of one personfrom each local in Regions 2 and 6, many of whom also attended the

CWA Convention. Attendees discussed union business, listened tospeakers and took part in breakout training sessions. Judy Graves, CWA District 6 Organizing Director, led the “CWA

Strong” workshop, which calls for CWA locals at or below 80 percentorganized to increase membership by 10 percentage points this year; for alllocals to have active and effective organizing, legislative-political, and human rightscommittees and participate in boot camps and other trainings, and to build and strengthen theworkplace mobilization structure, among other actions. Attendees were taught how to build the union through inside organizing in order to help

their unrepresented co-workers gain representation. Once members have talked to co-workers about joining the union, they should identify key workplace issues and create anorganizing committee. CWA can then help them build majority support. NABET-CWA Staff Representative Eric Seggi and Local 25 Steward Ron Gabalski led a

Shop Stewards training class, which included legal advice and answers from AttorneyChuck DeGross. NABET-CWA General Counsel Judi Chartier presented updates on grievances and

arbitrations, identifying key wins and losses, and Cornell University’s Paul Frankconducted a seminar about organizing.During a Social Media training session, NABET-CWA Social Media Coordinator Toni

Buoy gave attendees tips on broadening their reach with Twitter and Facebook. Inaddition, all locals with websites learned how to link to a news and information packageoffered by the AFL-CIO.

Judy Graves, CWA Organizing Rep, teachingCWA Strong at the RAB meeting in Pittsburgh.

CWA delegates came together for the “CWAStrong/Union Strong” Convention, held August 7-8at the David Lawrence Convention Center in

Pittsburgh, PA. Dozens of delegates from most NABET-CWA locals attended the biennial event, where CWAdelegates gathered to discuss union business, give reports,present resolutions, and make amendments to the union’sconstitution. CWA President Chris Shelton recognized CWA

members and activists who walked picket lines and stoodwith striking workers at AT&T, Verizon, AT&T Mobility,and Momentive. NABET-CWA members in Chicago,Pennsylvania and New York walked the picket line insupport of AT&T workers in May.NABET-CWA Sector President Charlie Braico spoke to

the convention delegates about the continuing battle towin justice for workers at CNN.Three NABET-CWA delegates were selected for CWA

Convention committees: Local 24 President DianneChase served on the Constitution Committee; Local 31President Rich McDermott served on the CredentialsCommittee; and Local 53 Secretary Cheryl Bacon was onthe Resolutions and Rules Committee, which approvedseven resolutions, including one on workers’ rights andhuman rights that calls for building and supporting activeHuman Rights, Women’s, and Civil Rights and EquityCommittees in every local.

NABET-CWA at 76th CWA Convention –Pittsburgh, PA

Local 53 Delegates at Convention, left to right: Local 53 PresidentSteve Ross, Secretary Cheryl Bacon, Treasurer Louis Gabrielle, andVice President Joe Ayala

Alternates at CWA Convention: Brian Donaldson, L. 48; Rich Ersing, L. 25;Patrick Tubliolo, L. 21; and Paul Spadafora, L. 21

Sector President CharlieBraico addresses CWAConvention delegates

CWAConventionfloor

Retired General Counsel SteveSturm addresses RAB meeting

Bob Pastecki and John Ziller learning how to Tweetduring Social Media Class

NABET-CWA Secretary KristenHelmstetter draws names for scholarship

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Retirement Party attendees gather for a group shot

NABET-CWA honors three di

Representing NABET-CWA Local 21: Patrick Tubiolo, Paul Spadafora,Fred Saburro and Duffer Kendrick

Fred Saburro and Local 24 President Dianne Chase

Local 411 President Joe Kaczynski, retiring NABET-CWA Staff Representative Lou Fallot,Local 17 President Andy Halpin and NABET-CWA Staff Representative Bill Murray

RVP1/Local 11 Treasurer Cristina Silver and RVP3/Local 31Treasurer Moe Thomas

CWA Retiree Coordinator Bill Freeda, Local 41 TreasurerJackie Denn, RVP3/Local 31 Treasurer Moe Thomas, andLocal 31 President Rich McDermott

On August 5, NABET-CWA celebrated three retirees who ha their long service to the union: Louis Fallot, a Staff Repres Local 11; Fred Saburro, a 63-year member and long-time R

union’s legal representative for over 46 years.The celebration took place in conjunction with the CWA Conv

meeting for Regions 2 and 6 in Pittsburgh. Several dozen gather three men who all retired within the past year.In addition to the dinner, a first-time award was presented in S

Award of Excellence – to Local 17 President Andy Halpin. Each present the award to a member who has gone “above and beyond Sector Executive Council chooses the award winner each year.Sturm was “shocked” by the award and moved by the honor. “

it earlier,” he said of retirement. “It was so nice seeing all of tho Two resolutions were passed in honor of Fallot and Saburro. O

Fallot’s dedication to NABET-CWA, and the second for calling f name – the Fred Saburro Scholarship. The scholarship awards $5 student in Region 2.“A lot of good things happened to me at that dinner. It was fa

honorary member of Local 16, the Vice President Emeritus of R “I saw a lot of people I know and love dearly,” he added. “NABE goodbye.” Saburro said he was looking forward to his namesake Saturday after Labor Day. Fallot, who became a Staff Representative when he retired NBC

of Local 11 for 2 ½ terms, said one of the things he will miss ter “The party and the RAB in Pittsburgh really brought to my att

to be able to represent our members from around the country,” F I wish whoever takes over much luck. It’s been a humbling experFallot’s future plans include a lot of volunteer work, especially

always been my focus. These are some of the people who need th

NABET-CWA Staff Representative Eric Seggi and Fred Saburro

Local 41 President Don Villar, Delegate Raza Siddiqui, SectorPresident Charlie Braico, Dan Moreno, and Local 41 TreasurerJackie Denn, who served on the CWA Women’s Committee.

Local 42 Vice President Ken Koscick andChuck DeGross with their lovely ladies

Fallot, Saburro and Stur


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istinguished retirees

Brian Donaldsonand Tom Knaub

Local 52 Secretary Corey Baker and Fred Saburro

ave made valuable contributions during sentative for 12 years and past president of RVP of Region 2; and, Steve Sturm, the

vention and Regional Advisory Board ed at Church Brew Works to honor the

Steve Sturm’s name – the Steve Sturm h year, the Sector Executive Council will d” in his/her service to the union. The “It was so terrific that I should have done

se people and we had a great time.” One, in recognition and appreciation of for an annual scholarship in Fred Saburro’s

500 a year to an eligible member’s senior ntastic,” Saburro said of his becoming an

Region 2, and the scholarship in his name. ET was my life and it was not easy to say

Clambake, which is held each year on the C after 40 years and served as the president

rribly is the people he works with. tention what an honor and privilege it was

Fallot said. “It’s a job unlike any other, and rience.”

y helping working families. “They have he help the most.”

Local 17 President Andy Halpin receives the firstSteve Sturm Award for Excellence

L 41 Photographer Bill Beauchamp: a “giant” in Chicago TV

Wilfred “Bill” Beauchamp, a photographer at WFLD-TV (FOX) in Chicago, passed suddenly on August 19at the age of 57.

His friends left many remembrances on his Facebook page,including: “We lost a giant in Chicago television this weekend: our

loving friend and co-worker and Union brother, BillBeauchamp.”“Bill wasn’t an “on-air” talent, but oh how talented he

was.”“Bill also didn't collect a fistful of Emmys, instead

collecting a handful PLUS of loyal friends.”“An excellent news photographer and efficient editor, it

was Bill who led the way to the breaking news on the streetand lead stories in the newsroom. Never saying ‘No’ to an

assignment, he would fill shifts both day and night.”“Bill’s laugh was deep, infectious and genuine.”Beauchamp attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL, and Southern Illinois

University in Carbondale, IL. He was a devoted and loving father of Erica Ann, theadoring husband of the late Barbara, and a dearly beloved son of Carol (the lateWilfred) Beauchamp.

Bill Beauchamp

Local 212 President John Green waits for Day 2of CWA Convention to begin

NABET-CWA Local 212 PresidentJohn Green died suddenly of a heartattack on August 11, just days after

attending the union’s Regional AdvisoryBoard meeting and CWA Convention inPittsburgh.Green was an Engineer at WTRF-TV in

Wheeling, WV, for nearly 30 years andserved as Local 212’s president since2009. Tom Allietta, Local 212’s presidentprior to Green, said Green was a ShopSteward and held many other positionsthroughout the years. Green becamepresident when Allietta took over asSecretary-Treasurer.“He ended up being the backbone of

the Union there,” said Allietta, who leftthe station eight years ago.Allietta, a frequent golf partner, said

Green celebrated his 66th birthday in Julyand would have collected his first SocialSecurity check four days after he died, onAugust 15. Though he hadn’t seen him for a while,

Allietta was working outside his housewhen Green drove by on his motorcyclethe week before he died. They ended upchatting for nearly an hour. “He was a‘gentle giant,’ always kind to anybody andwould help any way he could.”Several of Green’s fellow unionists left

their remembrances of him on the funeralhome’s website, thanking him for hisyears of dedication to NABET-CWA.“John was dedicated to helping his

fellow co-workers and his Union brothersand sisters,” said Assistant to SectorPresident Jodi Fabrizio-Clontz. “He isgoing to be missed dearly.”Former RVP2 Fred Saburro knew

Green for years and fondly remembers thespecial shirt Green presented to Saburroon his 90th birthday, which read, “Local212 Loves Freddie.”

John Green was the “backbone of Local 212”

“He was the nicest guy you’d evermeet – a real gentleman – and verydedicated to NABET-CWA. He put in asmuch as necessary to keep the Localgoing.” Saburro says it was thisdedication that kept him from retiring. Green was born in 1951 in Bellaire,

Ohio. After his family moved toWheeling, WV, he served as an acolytein his church and graduated fromWheeling High School. He was anamateur radio enthusiast, an avidgolfer, motorcycle rider and highlyskilled musician (bass guitar) andsinger. He is survived by his daughter

Chianti, son Richard andgrandchildren.

John Ziller, Bob Pastecki, Sector General Counsel Judi Chartier, Ed Jones, Scott Haight,Anthony Vecchio, RVP5 Suds, Ron Gabalski, Patrick Tubiolo, and Duffer Kendrick

rm celebrated in Pittsburgh

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N A B E T - C W A A W A R D S C O L L E G ES C H O L A R S H I P S T O M E M B E R F A M I L I E S

NABET-CWA awarded scholarships

this year to five high school scholars

who are the daughters or sons of

active NABET-CWA members. They each

will receive $750 annually for four years –

a total of $3,000 – toward their college

educations. In honor of their academic and

community leadership, these students won

merit-based scholarships named in memory

of past NABET-CWA International

Presidents and/or employees:

Jaclyn BarrecaJaclyn Barreca is the daughter ofLocal 11 member LawrenceBarreca. Jaclyn received a“Regents Diploma with AdvanceDesignation” from Miller PlaceHigh School in Miller Place, NY.While there, she was on theVarsity Cross Country and Trackteams and received awards forScholar Athlete, General

Academic Excellence, AP Scholar, and English 10 HonorsExcellence. Jaclyn was a member of the National HonorSociety and on the High Honor Roll during her four yearsin high school. Her volunteer experience includes being acamp counselor and serving at a local soup kitchen. Jaclynwon the George Smith Scholarship Award and attends theState University of New York Geneseo.

Nadine CiardulliNadine Ciardulli, the daughter ofLocal 11 member Don Ciardulli,won the Edward M. LynchScholarship Award. A graduateof Plainedge High School inNorth Massapequa, NY, Nadinewas a member of the National,Science, English and Tri-M(music) Honor Societies. Sheparticipated in Varsity tennis,

track and field and bowling, and played violin in herschool’s Chamber Orchestra. As an intern, Nadine helpedto organize clothing and food drives for those in need. Shevolunteered twice a week for a dog shelter and for theAmerican Cancer Society throughout her high schoolyears. She attends the State University of New YorkPlattsburgh.

Emily CollerEmily Coller is the daughter ofLocal 47 member Patty Coller(WKBN-TV) and Local 47member Bob Coller (WJW-TV).At Lakeview High School, Emilygraduated in the top one percentof her 2017 class. As an honorstudent, four-year letter winner ingolf and state champion, Emilyparticipated in several school

organizations, including National Honor Society, MadrigalChoir, French Club, and Bulldog Buddies tutoring, andserved as a classroom aide for intervention students at herhigh school. She also worked at a local market and serveda one-year term on the Ohio Attorney General’s TeenAmbassador Board. Emily won the Lawrence DworkinScholarship Award and attends the Xavier University inCincinnati, OH, double majoring in Business and History.Emily also received the James Harris Scholarship Award,which provides a one-time scholarship of $600.

Timothy McManusTimothy McManus, the son ofLocal 11 member MikeMcManus, received an AdvancedRegents Diploma fromEastchester High School inEastchester, NY. Among the top10% of his graduating class,Timothy also was a member ofthe National Honor Society, the

Model UN, and the president of the French Club. Hishobbies include maintaining the pop culture blogChannelTim.com and playing guitar. Timothy volunteeredfor Meals on Wheels, as a tutor and for the EastchesterPublic Library. Timothy won the Dorr C. WilsonScholarship Award and attends Loyola MarymountUniversity in Los Angeles, CA.

Liz YountLiz Yount of Tarzana, CA, is thedaughter of Local 53 memberDavid Yount. Liz, who graduatedfrom Harvard-Westlake HighSchool, won the James P. NolanScholarship Award. In her senioryear, Liz represented the UnitedStates in worldwide debatecompetitions as Team Captain ofthe country’s top high school

debate team – USA Debate team. As an editor, reporter,and photographer for her school’s newspaper, Liz woninternational and national awards for her journalism work.Liz’s critiques of the presidential debates last year wereprofessionally published eight times, appearing in TheHollywood Reporter and The Guardian. In her spare time,she volunteers for Operation Gratitude. Liz is currentlyattending George Washington University’s Elliott Schoolof International Affairs as a Presidential Scholar.

The following students received a one-time NABET-CWAScholarship of $1,000:

Richard HeathRichard Heath, the son of Local18 member Glenn Heath,graduated from Weymouth HighSchool in Weymouth, MA.Richard was a member of theNational Honor Society andcompleted numerous communityservice hours, including takingpart in efforts to clean upunderdeveloped and struggling

areas in Detroit. He played baseball and guitar, which heplans to continue in college. Richard won the Region TwoJames P. Nolan Memorial Award. He attends theUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst, where is a studentin the college of Social and Behavioral Sciences and plansto major in Political Science.

Alayna SeggiAlayna Seggi, the daughter ofNABET-CWA StaffRepresentative Eric Seggi, wonthe Region Two James P. NolanMemorial Award. Alaynagraduated suma cum laude fromFort LeBoeuf High School inWaterford, PA, where she was amember of the National HonorSociety, Student Council, and

Editor of the yearbook. Alayna was a scholar athlete and afour-year letter winner in track, basketball and volleyball,where she was a two-time All-Region and All-District 10selection. Alayna plans to continue her education andathletic career at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford,where she plans to major in forensic psychology andparticipate in Women’s Volleyball for the Panthers.

Hunter SkorczewskiHunter Skorczewski is the son ofLocal 46 member MarkSkorczewski. Hunter graduatedfrom All Saints Central HighSchool in Bay City, MI, where hewas named to the HighestHonors list every semester andreceived the President’s Awardfor Academic Excellence. Heparticipated in baseball, football

and basketball, where he was named to the Academic All-State Team and won “BCAM’s BEST” Boys BasketballAll-State Honorable Mention. He also was a member ofthe Robotics team and recognized on the NBC 25 News“Path to Greatness” series. Hunter volunteered for theUnited Way and the MidMichigan Medical Center, amongothers, and was a regular blood donor. Hunter won theThomas F. Kennedy Scholarship Award and attends theNorthwood University in Midland, MI.

The following student received a one-time NABET-CWAScholarship of $600:

Riley YuskoRiley Yusko, of Hinckley, OH, isthe daughter of Local 42 memberJohn Yusko. Riley won theJames Harris ScholarshipAward. In high school, Riley wason the yearbook staff atBrunswick High School for twoyears and participated inProfessionals of Tomorrow, BigBrothers/Big Sisters, and

HUDDLE, where she acted as a role model and presentedalternatives to alcohol and other drug use for elementarystudents. Riley is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing degree atthe University of Toledo in Toledo, OH. She hopes tobecome a Nurse Anesthetist.

Be on the lookout for 2018 ScholarshipsNews and information about applying for NABET-CWAcollege scholarships will be in the next issue of NABETNews, including scholarship contest criteria and anonline link for an application.


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WTIC-TV/FOX CT – Hartford, CT (Local 17)The new NABET-CWA unit at WTIC ratified their first contract on July 20. The two-year dealincluded two 2% wage increases for those not under a PSC and outlined job descriptions,minimum hourly rates, work rules, minimum hours of pay for work on days off, vacation, andholidays. The contract also included 26 weeks’ severance, just cause, and expeditedarbitration. The 55-member unit of anchors, reporters, meteorologists, news photographers,editors and assignment desk editors voted to join NABET-CWA in 2015. The bargainingcommittee, led by NABET-CWA Staff Representative Bill Murray, included Reporter Jeevan Vittal,Photographer Ryan Bernat, and Local 17 President Andy Halpin.

WTNH-TV – New Haven, CT (Local 14)The Directors unit ratified a contract on July 12.Negotiations for a successor agreement for theTechnicians/Photographers continued in July, Augustand September. According to NABET-CWA StaffRepresentative Lou Fallot, a deal is within reach withNexstar, which “came to the table willing to negotiate.”

Another round of talks is possible in October. Thebargaining committee includes Local 14 President JoeD’Addese, Vice President John Coleman, Sec-TreasurerJim Bagley, and Lou Fallot.

KTCA-TV – Minneapolis, MN (Local 411)An agreement was ratified with Twin Cities Public Television in August. The new agreement willrun from Jan. 1, 2017, through Aug. 31, 2020. Wage increases of 2.5% are retroactive to Jan 1,2017, followed by increases of 2%, 2% per year and 1.3% for the last 8 months of the agreement.The main sticking point was jurisdiction and use of non-unit employees for broadcast work. TheUnion was able to negotiate job protections, opportunities for new work on digital platforms andexclusive jurisdiction over several new cameras. The bargaining committee included Local 411President Joe Kaczynski, Mike Phillips, Terry Grey, Clayton Henderson, and NABET-CWA StaffRepresentative Eric Seggi.

Hockey Western NY (Buffalo Sabres) – Buffalo, NY (Local 25)Negotiations took place in June and July, coming to terms on a number of items. The Union iswaiting for the Company’s response on jurisdiction and management rights and hopes to reacha final agreement soon.

WIVB-TV – Buffalo, NY (Local 25)The two sides met in July and August and made minor progress on a new contract for the 50-member unit of photog/editors, production employees, technicians, and maintenance. TheCompany continues to have a significant number of proposals on the table, includingjurisdiction, definition of employees, grievance/arbitration, job descriptions, etc. More talks arescheduled for early October. The previous contract expired on March 26. The bargainingcommittee includes Ron Gabalski, Rich Ersing, Jim Diavastes, and NABET-CWA StaffRepresentative Eric Seggi.

WJLA-TV – Washington, D.C. (Local 31)The Union’s negotiating committee presented a new comprehensive package to the Companyprior to talks that were held in August. Bargaining has been ongoing since October 2015. TheUnion had prepared a comprehensive package, but the Company would not come to the table toexchange proposals. The Company wanted to have the ability to cut full-time employees’minimum 40-hour guaranteed work per week. We are working under an extension agreementwith a 14-day cancellation clause.

WDIV-TV – Detroit, MI (Local 43)The Company presented a comprehensive proposal to the Union during talks that were held onJune 22. The Union provided the Company a response in late August but no agreement has beenreached. Bargaining dates have been scheduled for early October.

WJRT-TV – Flint, MI (Local 46)With the help of a federal mediator, an agreement was reached on Sept. 18 for the 15-memberunit, which had been working under a contract extension. The two-year contract includes a wageincrease of 2% in the first year and 2.25% in the second year. A ratification vote is scheduled for

I N D E P E N D E N T R E P O R TOct. 1. If ratified, the agreement will run through Sept. 30, 2019. The bargaining committeeincludes Local 46 President Sheldon Neely, Mike Adams, Brandon Milbrot, Local 46 SecretaryJerry Look and NABET-CWA Staff Representative Eric Seggi.

WJMJ-TV – Youngstown, OH (Local 47)The Union met with the Company for two days in August on a contract for the 15-member Newsunit: reporters, anchors and MMJ employees. Some progress was made during the talks, but thetwo sides are still apart on economics and MMJ duties, including live shots. Further talks arescheduled in September. The agreement, which was set to expire on Aug. 24, has beenextended. The bargaining committee includes Matt Stone, Kate Keller, Danielle Cotterman and

NABET-CWA Staff Representative Eric Seggi.

WTRF-TV – Wheeling, WV (Local 212)One bargaining session was held in July. The Union and theCompany are still apart on seniority, dues check-off, andgrievance/arbitration. With the sudden passing of Local 212President John Green, who was on the bargaining committee,no new dates are scheduled at this time.

WJW-TV/Fox 8 – Cleveland, OH (Local 42)The bargaining committee sent a reopener letter and ispreparing for bargaining with potential new station owner,Sinclair Broadcast Group. WJW, which has had eight different

owners since 1985, is one of 43 Tribune Broadcasting stations being sold to the expandingmedia company.

John Green, far left, with other Local 212 officers, left to right: Vice PresidentGerry Kase, Steward Vernon Loyer, and Sec.-Treasurer Michael Prutzman.

Contract ratified at KSBY-TV

Anew three-year contract was reached and ratified during the first week ofSeptember for the 25-member NABET-CWA Local 51 unit at KSBY-TV in SanLuis Obispo, CA. The agreement for the station’s Content Producers,

Photographers, Production Control Technicians, Master Control Technicians,Maintenance Engineers, Graphics, Creative Services Producers and Directors includeswage increases of 2.5% in each year of the contract, providing a 7.5% wage increaseover the contract term. The wages are retroactive to June 8, 2017. “This bargaining was primarily about money. KSBY is Number 1 in their market, but

was resistant to compensate employees fairly for the work they provide,” said Local 51President Kevin Wilson. “The 7.5 percent wage increase we negotiated over the term ofthe three-year contract does not come close to covering the cost of living in the veryexpensive area of the Central Coast.”“Nevertheless,”Wilson added, “We didn't give up anything and negotiated

improvements such as an increase in severance pay to a maximum of 16 weeks; anincrease in carryover days of paid sick leave; and, an increase of job protection foremployees who are disabled or who are involved in an on-the-job injury.”The Union’s bargaining committee consisted of Kenny Nichols and Local 51’s

President Kevin Wilson.

Local 21 held its annual picnic — the Fred Saburro Clambake — on September 9.The group included Saburro, former Local 21 President Bill Lambdin, Assistant tothe Sector President Jodi Fabrizio-Clontz, and RVP2/L25 President Roy Schrodt.

Fred Saburro Clambake

News media gives 2017solar eclipse star treatment

The coast-to-coast Great American Eclipsecaptivated the country on August 21.News media were staged along the path

of totality in 14 states and elsewhere, providingcoverage of the first solar eclipse across theentire U.S. – from Oregon to South Carolina –since 1918. Major networks – ABC, NBC,CBS, CNN, Fox News Channel, Telemundo,PBS, MTV, the Science Channel and TheWeather Channel broadcast live televisionspecials, allowing viewers who weren’t in fulltotality the opportunity to see what it was like.Correspondents and photojournalists coveredviewing parties, broadcast activities atobservatories, and explained the sciencebehind the event. NASA, which used camerasboth above and on the ground said, “neverbefore was a celestial event be viewed by somany and explored from so many vantagepoints – from space, from the air, and from theground.” It also was the first total solar eclipsein the smartphone and social media era in theU.S. NABET-CWA members across thecountry were proud to be involved in thehistoric eclipse coverage.

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...................After the Showby Bill Freeda

NABET-CWA National Coordinator and President of the Media Sector, CWA Retired Members Council

Mike Wilkins’ view of theeclipse in Boston, MA

The eclipse as shot by Local 11 memberMaximilian Braverman

Viewing the eclipse in Chicago

The eclipse fromMichigan Local 48member ZaragosaMaldonado

Ed Jones, Vice President ofLocal 211, and his shot of theeclipse from Syracuse, NY

Viewing the eclipse fromCWA Headquarters

EclipseBoston, MA

Eclipse street viewin Rochester, NY

The Marginalization ofRetirees

In this column of “After the Show,” Iwant to speak to you about the attemptin this country to marginalize retirees.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionarydefinition of “marginalize” is “to relegateto an unimportant position.”We can begin with our elected officials,

who continually refer to Social Securityand Medicare as “entitlements.” There arepowerful forces in this country that makethese programs sound like handouts andthey are not. These programs are benefitswe have earned over a lifetime ofworking and to which we contributed ourhard-earned money. It is our job as retirees to correct our

elected officials, and anyone else, whenthey use the term entitlement to describeSocial Security and Medicare. We mustspeak up – politely, if possible, or not sopolitely, if necessary. The real “entitlements” in this country

are paid to the CEO’s of majorcorporations. Those entitlements areknown as SERPs (SupplementalExecutive Retirement Plans). TheseSERPs are given to those I refer to as the“kings and queens” of these corporations.I will be writing more about SERPs in anupcoming NABET News. The pensionpayments for former GE CEO JackWelch are rumored to be $800,000 amonth, the majority of which is a SERP.Outgoing GE CEO Jeff Immelt willreceive a SERP of more than five milliondollars a year, and during his tenure asCEO, the stock price and the dividendhave dropped. Somehow, the GE Boardof Directors has decided to rewardfailure. Talk about “entitlements.”Then, we have our former employers,

like AT&T, GE, and now NBCUniversal,which don’t give a second thought tobreaking long-standing promises toretirees by terminating or radicallyreducing retiree medical benefits under

the guise of giving retirees more choice.Disappointingly, I must add CWA to this

list. I am mindful that most retirees nolonger pay dues, or vote in local unionelections. What we do, however, iscontribute to CWA-PAF, formerly known asCOPE. We knock on doors, staff phonebanks for labor-friendly candidates forpublic office, and support active employeesduring labor disputes. And, of course, wemust continue to engage in all of thoseactivities to support our active brothers andsisters.The marginalization of retirees by CWA

is conducted in a subtler manner. Let meshare some history to illustrate. In January2014, the CWA Executive Board passed amotion creating the GE Retiree GrowthFund. This appropriation was forapproximately $471,500, and not onemember of the Retired Members CouncilBoard was asked for any input. How in theworld can you create an almost half amillion dollar fund for retirees withoutinvolving CWA’s retiree leaders?Afterwards, Annie Hill, then CWA’s

Secretary/Treasurer, described our omissionfrom the process as a mistake. It was nomistake; RMC retiree leaders weredeliberately bypassed and ignored. In 2007, the RMC Board reached an

agreement with the CWA Executive Boardto have two joint meetings a year, one eachat the Legislative and Political Conferenceand the Convention. That joint meeting hasnow been reduced to a meeting between the

full RMC Board and just the CWAPresident and Secretary-Treasurer. The RMC Board agreed to that change

only because of the obvious lack of interestby many of the members of the CWAExecutive Board. Some Vice Presidentscame late, some left early, some didn’tcome at all, and others appeared not to haveany interest in our discussions. The RMC’s key purposes are to organize

all CWA retirees and keep them informedand engaged in the issues that affect theirlives. It is my opinion that visibility is animportant aspect of accomplishing that goal.When I became a member of the RMCBoard in 2005, the RMC had an exclusivenewsletter, Journeys. It was discontinued fora number of reasons, including the cost ofmailing. Some years after Journeys was

discontinued, I received the NABET Newswrapped around the CWA News. It occurredto me that it couldn’t cost much to wrap anRMC newsletter around the CWA News. That is where my challenge began and

continues. I introduced my idea of having aseparate RMC print newsletter at our RMCBoard meetings and presented it to theRMC’s liaisons – Helen Gibson, MelindaGibson, Laura Reynolds – as well as LarryCohen, Annie Hill, Chris Shelton, and Ron

Collins. Thanks to Laura Reynolds, wedid make some progress. We used someof the money from the Retiree GrowthFund to create a masthead and an onlinenewsletter entitled Grey Matters.Unfortunately an online-only newsletteris not enough: it does not reach the manyretirees that are not computer literate orwho do not have access to a computer.More importantly, an online newsletterdoes not provide the visibility that Ibelieve the RMC needs to grow. In attempt to eliminate any additional cost

to CWA, I then proposed to Chris Sheltonthat Grey Matters be given the back page ofthe CWA News. That could provide the kindof visibility RMC needs to grow. Eventhough we have a new administration, itseems to me my idea is still greeted with thesame indifference that I received by theprevious administration. At one point, I wasable to convince some NewsGuild retireesto participate with the editing of GreyMatters. So much time has passed, I am notsure that capability is still available. Retirees in this country are one of the

fastest growing demographic groups. Wecan have a profound impact on ourelected officials and corporate executivesif we were united and organized, butsadly, we are not. We are divided bypolitical philosophy, religion, and to methe most meaningless difference of all:whether a retiree worked in managementor a union job. We need to put these andother differences aside if we are to flexour collective retiree muscle.In closing, my question is: When will

we ever learn?

By 2030, 20 percent of U.S. residents areprojected to be aged 65 and over,compared with16.8 percent in 2020, 13.7percent in 2012, and 9.8 percent in 1970.

—U.S. Census Bureau, “An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States”

We must speak up – politely, if possible, or not so politely, if necessary.

fall 2017 communications workers of america, afl-cio ... · region 5 - james “suds” sudweeks...

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