WGME-TV 13 Workers Deserve a Fair Contract Now!

Workers at WGME-TV, channel 13 in Portland have had their pay cut as much as 10% as Sinclair Broadcast Group implemented part of their last contract offer on February 17 without the agreement of the workers and their Union, IBEW Local #1837.

During negotiations, Sinclair and WGME 13 admitted that the wage cuts were not because of any financial crisis, but simply because they felt that their workers were overpaid. The corporate greed of the Maryland-based Sinclair is hurting Maine workers and their families.

Throughout negotiations, Sinclair has insisted on "complete flexibility" in assigning bargaining unit work to non-bargaining unit employees, supervisors and managers, as well as future "discretion" in granting raises and changes in employee benefits. It is clear that Sinclair’s intention is to destroy the coherence and viability of the bargaining unit.

The Regional Director of the National Labor Relations Board is recommending that multiple complaints be issued against the Company as a result of charges filed by IBEW 1837. These complaints include one for bad faith bargaining because of Sinclair and WGME’s inflexible approach during contract negotiations. Another is for the Company’s refusal to withhold union dues. These two recommendations have been referred to the Division of Advice in the Office of the General Counsel in Washington, D.C.

WGME studios in Portland, Maine

Another complaint recommended by the NLRB Regional Director is for the unlawful surveillance of IBEW members conducting a peaceful protest – surveillance that greatly intimidated workers at WGME-TV. Taking photographs of workers against their will is a bullying tactic. The responsibility for a hostile work environment clearly rests on the shoulders of station management at WGME.

IBEW is proud to represent most of the people who work behind the scenes at WGME 13. These broadcast professionals include Operating Technicians, News Editors, Assignment Editors, Photographers, Engineers, Producers and Directors . They provide a valuable service to our community by helping to create and produce a variety of news and public service programs, commercials and other announcements.