The union of writers and producers at New York City’s flagship PBS member station is demanding that WNET Thirteen stop “anti-union proposals” and grant pay raises after months of delays, according to a letter obtained by The Post.
The Writers Guild of America East on Monday told the left-leaning station's management that it should take “immediate action” to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement for its members, according to the letter.
The union and the station have been negotiating a new contract since April, which the guild hopes will include provisions for “a livable wage and well-earned time off from work.”
The contract was effective from July 2019 to last June. It has been extended several times since then. The most recent extension expires on October 9.
“Unfortunately, Thirteen management has obstructed negotiations by insisting on extreme proposals that threaten their jobs and the union,” reads the letter, addressed to James Attwood, chairman of Channel 13’s board of trustees, and Dr. Antoinette Deluca, chairwoman of the channel’s community advisory board.
The Guild accused the management of “looking for”[ing] Dismantling our employees’ union by demanding the power to assign non-union employees their jobs without any meaningful limits.”
The letter calls on management to “withdraw its anti-union proposals, agree to wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living and include paid time off for per diem workers.”
The Post has sought comment from WNET Thirteen.
Unlike commercial television, channel 13, which has served the New York City metropolitan area since 1962, is a PBS member station, supported by federal, state, and local funding, as well as contributions from viewers and philanthropic grants and endowments.
The Writers Guild of America East and the Writers Guild of America West are also negotiating with three public television stations on a new contract for 150 freelance writers.
The unions are in talks with WNET Thirteen, Boston-based GBH and Los Angeles-based Public Media Group, which operates two stations in the city.
Earlier this year, WNET Group, which oversees Thirteen as well as WLIW on Long Island and NJ PBS in New Jersey, announced layoffs at its New Jersey unit.
According to the letter, the guild “stands with its members as they take the necessary steps to protect their union and livelihoods.”
“We urge you to use your power and influence to support the employees of WNET Thirteen and help them get a fair contract,” the union wrote in its letter.
