[Antiracism] [Workers Rights] Union-busting at Channel 40?

[WMass Jobs With Justice]

Complaints lodged over TV layoffs


Springfield Republican, Wednesday, November 21, 2007 
By MARCIA BLOMBERG
mblomberg at repub.com 

SPRINGFIELD - The new owner of WGGB-TV abc40 laid off as many as 10 staffers
last week, according to the union that represents some of the employees,
though the owner disputes that number. 

The union, the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians
Local 19, also filed two complaints against Gormally Broadcasting LLC with
the National Labor Relations Board, according to William J. Murray, a
regional staff representative with the national union. 

Murray said that John J. Gormally Jr., who bought the station from Sinclair
Broadcasting earlier this month, declined to accept the existing contract
with the union as is the right of new owners under some circumstances and
"used that opportunity to lay some people off, including some long-term
people." 

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According to the union, two full-time news photographers, including one with
14 years of experience, a full-time reporter, a full-time news producer, two
part-time production assistants and a part-time assignment editor in the
news department were laid off, for a total of seven union members. 

Three nonunion staffers, including a full-time national sales manager and
two part-time receptionists were also laid off, according to the union. 

Gormally said three part-time and three full-time staffers in the news
department were laid off, but said he would not discuss personnel issues
further. 

He said the layoffs would "absolutely not" affect the station's news
coverage. 

"Abc40 has the most robust television news department, in quality and
quantity, in Western Mass.," Gormally said. 

Murray said, "We're disappointed. We were thrilled he was taking over from
Sinclair, which was a very bad company, but we didn't have layoffs with
Sinclair." 

Gormally, for his part, said: "I don't think it's uncommon in business, when
a new owner comes in, that he picks his team, with a sound business plan. 

"The station was overstaffed. There hasn't been a general manager in over a
year. Some difficult decisions had to be made," he said. 

Murray said that one complaint filed with the labor relations board alleges
that one staffer, who served as secretary and treasurer of the union, was
laid off because of his union activity, while the other alleges that the
owner should have bargained with the union over the layoffs. 

Murray said the layoffs were not made by seniority. 

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Gormally declined comment on the union complaints filed with the labor
relations board, except to say he had only seen one. 

He said the laid-off staffers were provided severance and continued health
insurance coverage "to lessen the blow. 

"I don't take any solace or enjoyment in giving good people bad news, but
changes had to take place, decisions had to be made to remain competitive
and profitable. I need to think about the 100 workers that are here now,
that's my obligation as an employer," he added. 

Gormally also announced last week that he plans to launch a local Fox
broadcasting affiliate on Channel 55, which is WGGB-TV's digital channel, by
the end of the year. 

That affiliate will have a local newscast at 10 p.m. 

 


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