Erratic schedules and workdays that can stretch up to 18 hours are not uncommon for the camera operators, editors, and other behind-the-scenes magic-makers who give KLRU shows such as Austin City Limits their renowned high production values. According to Mike Gross, vice president of the Texas State Employees Union of the Communication Workers of America, that’s why production and engineering employees at the local PBS affiliate have been afforded contractual provisions for 25 years, protecting them from some of the worst vagaries common to their line of work. But now, says Gross, the station wants to eliminate those provisions.
KLRU renegotiates its contract with TSEU Local 6186 every three years, and the latest round began last September. While the process usually wraps up within a couple of months, says Gross (who has negotiated two previous KLRU contracts), this time it has dragged on without resolution. At issue are contract provisions guaranteeing overtime to employees who work more than 10 hours or five days in a row or who have to return to work less than 10 hours after they’ve left. Also at stake is the “meal penalty,” a provision that compensates employees one hour’s pay for every five hours and 15 minutes they work without a meal break.
While KLRU has offered “small pay raises” in return, says Gross, they do not make up for what the employees would be losing. In a TSEU/CWA bulletin, Gross wrote, “Members feel strongly that if these protections are lost, there will be no incentive for management to insure reasonable working conditions for its employees.”
KLRU CEO and General Manager Bill Stotesbery wouldn’t provide details about the negotiations while still in the process, saying only, “These are all guys we like and respect and think the world of, and we’re confident we can come to an agreement.” With that in mind, the station has enlisted the help of federal mediators, who will meet with both sides today (Thursday, March 12) in hopes of finding a resolution.
This article appears in March 13 • 2009.