KPIX-TV PIX-TV in San Francisco First Compensated Workforce to Get the Signed Onto the Air in the Job Done

OP EN Channels The Newsletter of IBEW Local 45 www.ibew45.org Spring 2015

Projection Perfection Online Training Courses Spotlight on Stewards Meet LACC Projectionist Amos Rothbaum Giving Members a Leg Up Two Local 45 Members who Get the Job Done

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Breaking: KRON Members Authorize Strike! ‚ Local 45 members at KRON in San Francisco have unanimously rejected Agreement Thrown Down the Toilet’ management’s latest contract proposal and overwhelmingly voted to New KTVU Owners Ignore Contract authorize a strike. Local 45 Business Manager Elaine Ocasio, Business Representative Hugh McGuigan and others in leadership continue to com- By Michael Messina municate with the employer in an attempt to hammer out a reasonable nion members and leader- hour paid lunch. Now that has agreement. ship are no strangers to con- been reduced to a half hour and is Uflict when it comes to nego- unpaid. This amounts to a 12.5 per- tiating or enforcing contracts in the cent pay cut. They also took away workplace. Fox’s KTVU Channel 2 night differential, short turnaround serves the Bay Area, but lately they premium, master control upgrade haven’t been serving their employ- and the cam tech upgrade. For the ees too well since new ownership members who depend on these took over in October of last year, wages and benefits, this is devastat- essentially disregarding the stipula- ing, causing significant economic tions of the contract set in place and pain and mental stress. slashing wages and benefits. “In the history of Local 45 this “They came in and basically is the worst and most egregious threw it down the toilet,” said IBEW assault on an agreement that we’ve Local 45 Business Manager Elaine seen,” said Northern California Rep Ocasio. “And we worked hard on Hugh McGuigan. “We are currently that contract. That was one of our expending a lot of time and energy NASCAR best, strongest agreements that we trying to get a new agreement in In March, NASCAR’s Auto Club 400 hosted a special ‘Tribute to Labor.’ Pic- had in the Bay Area.” place for our members there.” tured is assistant cameraman Robert Clark as part of a four-person camera Employees used to have a one crew working in the pits at the Fontana Auto Club Speedway where the (Continued on page 5) race was held. Jobsite Visit: KPIX-TV PIX-TV in San Francisco first compensated workforce to get the signed onto the air in the job done. Klate 1940s, the first television Open Channels recently paid a station in Northern California. Now visit to KPIX and spoke with a num- CBS owned and operated, a lot has ber of employees represented by changed in the world and in media Local 45. The staffers talked about over the course of the last seven de- their jobs, and the value of union cades. One thing that hasn’t changed representation.

is the need for a well-trained, fairly- (Continued on page 8)

Hollywood, CA 90028 CA Hollywood,

6255 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 721 Ste. Blvd., Sunset 6255 Bob Lai, an editor at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, has appreciated union mentorship throughout IBEW Local 45 Local IBEW his career. Leading the Charge support and commitment to fight for what’s right. By Elaine Ocasio We are spotlighting our free on-line training in Business Manager, IBEW Local 45 this issue. On page 3 you can read what a couple of members have to say about taking advantage of ecently, much was made of the “Fight of the Local 45s training opportunities. We continue to Century” boxing match between Floyd May- look for ways to help you advance in the work- Rweather and Manny Pacquiao. Well, lately place. Let us know how these courses have helped every day has felt like the “Fight of the Century” when you and feel free to make suggestions of other it comes to our battles with a couple of television sta- training that may assist you in your careers. tions in the Northern CA Bay Area. In other news, I’m happy to announce that the As you can tell from the front page of this news- nomination of Local 45 officers took place in May letter, things are far from golden in the city of the and ballots need to be received by Monday, June Golden Gate. 22 when they will be counted. A union election is Shortly before going to press, we had some break- your opportunity to speak your mind and choose ing news in San Francisco with KRON. Our brothers who you want leading the charge. It is your right and sisters at the television station unanimously as a union member to have this vote – exercise it! rejected management’s latest contract offer, and the members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize In solidarity, a strike. Now, I don’t want to see one of our affili- Elaine Ocasio ates have to go on strike. I’d much rather keep our Business Manager/Financial Secretary members working under the umbrella of a fair and equitable agreement. But if management continues to offer low-ball contracts and continues to not value the hard-working men and women that we represent, then I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. If ELECTION TIME! Staff Box that includes a strike, so be it. Until that time comes, All election ballots will be mailed out Local 45 leadership is going back to the table with on June 1 and counted June 22. Please management to hammer out an agreement. promptly fill out and submit your ballot. IBEW Local 45 Things aren’t much better across the bay at KTVU Ballots received after 9 a.m. on June 22, 6255 Sunset Blvd # 721 in Oakland. When Fox purchased the station from Cox 2015 will not be counted. We ask that ev- Hollywood, CA 90028 last year the new owners refused to honor the terms eryone participate in the election process (323) 851-5515 of our hard-fought agreement. That’s why we’ve filed by voting! Business Manager/Financial Secretary Unfair Labor Practices against both Fox and Cox. Elaine Ocasio When will management learn that we will not al- Note: Only IBEW 45 members in good- Executive Assistant low them to kick us around? The members of IBEW standing are eligible to vote. Lupe Perez Local 45 are strong in our solidarity, and we have the Dues Administrator Marceil Wright Bookkeeper Anthony Wainaina IBEWIBEW LOCALLOCAL 4545 SHIRTSHIRT && CAPCAP Membership Department Rebecca Lehrmann Price: $22.00 Size: L/XL To Order Call Description: Made in Business Representatives the U.S.A., navy blue, cotton twill spandex, jockey shape, Southern California (323) 851-5515 embroidered cap. Victor Marrero PROUD TO BE UNION! Northern California Hugh McGuigan

This newsletter produced by Senders Communications Group

Publisher - Cherri Senders

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Find Us On Facebook! Price: $25.00 , $26.00 (XXL) Shirt Sizes: M, L, XL , XXL www.facebook.com/IBEW45 Description: Made in the U.S.A., navy blue, pre-shrunk, 100 % cotton shirt. Have a photo you’d like to share? Email us All sales are final at [email protected] 2 Open Channels Spring 2015 www.ibew45.org Projection Perfection Meet Amos Rothbaum, Projectionist, LA City College mos Rothbaum, without question, is a master for damage and repairs them if necessary, and of his trade. As a projectionist for Los Ange- has brought in much of his own equipment to Ales City College, he emits a certain amount make the setup as top notch as possible. of pride and joy for a job that most would consider Rothbaum, a native of Venezuela, has been lucky to have. He is one of the last of his kind; a pro- projecting since the early ’80s and has been fession that has steadily been taken over by advances at City College since 1986. He is a licensed in technology. And while Rothbaum embraces the projectionist (this is especially needed for one benefits of new technology, he also recognizes some- of his other jobs where he will sometimes thing has gotten lost in the transition. show nitrate film, which is flammable and “In regular theaters until last year, you got a film can be dangerous) and got into the profession print, they would build it up into one big reel, thread through his love of film. He enjoyed watching, the film, press the button once, film is over, re-thread but always hated when the presentation was if necessary, press the button again, you’re done,” flubbed. Rothbaum said inside the dark projection room “If I’m projecting you know it will be in where just outside in the theater a class had begun focus and it will be framed correctly and in watching the 1948 Italian classic “The Bicycle Thief.” the right aspect ratio,” he said. “Here we do the old fashioned style, like it was in the And in the same realm of getting things beginning. I go from reel to reel doing changeovers right, Rothbaum says IBEW 45 has been great going from projector to projector.” since he returned to the union recently, get- Rothbaum has an affinity for film over digital, ting what he calls honest and real representa- calling it cleaner and more vibrant. He will show 35 tion, and specifically referring to the atten- mm and 16mm at City College, and while “The Bicycle tiveness of Business Representative Victor Thief” is neither of these, he will make sure the ex- Marrero. perience is the same one a viewer would get inside a “He is like a refreshing glass of cold lemon- movie theater; film, DVD, Blu-Ray, VHS or otherwise. ade,” Rothbaum said. “You’re not going to see the leaders, you’re not go- Rothbaum’s enthusiasm for projection is ing to see the menu, you’re not going to see anything also refreshing. And while the students may you’re not supposed to. That’s the whole point,” not even know he is there, his passion for the Rothbaum said. position surely translates to a better educa- He also checks volume and vocals, checks prints tional experience. Amos Rothbaum has worked at L.A. City College for nearly 30 years.

Online Training Courses Give Members a Leg Up nions carry a reputation of having a mem- of completion, of which Morehead has many. bership that is made up of some of the most And he continues to be a big fan, signing up Uskilled workers among the varying industries for new classes regularly. they represent. This is no different at IBEW Local 45, He said one of the great conveniences of and in order to maintain such a sharp workforce the the program is that a tutorial can be loaded union offers no small number of online courses to into his iPad and then, internet connection or hone and perfect the skills of the membership. These not, he can have the tools to learn and get the courses are optional, but those who have taken them, job done at his fingertips. through Lynda.com, have expressed great enthusi- Chauncey Carson, an editor and studio asm and appreciation for their new skill sets. technician with KFSN in Fresno, has been One such member is Daniel Morehead, an Audio/ taking the Final Cut Pro course and knows Video Technician with the City of Los Angeles, under this will bolster his resume. He says the editor the umbrella of the LAPD. Morehead is part of a that he normally works with is efficient for Daniel Morehead has taken several online training courses to sharpen his skills. team that creates training videos for the recruits and the news, but does not nearly have the capa- in-service officers, as well as other video for special bility of Final Cut Pro. and been a member of IBEW 45 since the beginning events like celebrations, demonstrations and protest “I wanted to see what it could do and expand when he was a stage manager. His job has changed and coverage, and public service announcements. my knowledge on editing because a lot of stations evolved over the years and he appreciates the ability to “It’s a cool program,” Morehead said about the use it,” Carson said. “I wanted to have that card improve his skills via the online course, which he said is online courses. “I’ll pull up one of the programs and in my wallet.” much more manageable. just view it first for four or five hours. Just getting a He said the program has been challenging “It’s not a high-pressured thing. We all have busy lives. taste for what the instructor is talking about. Then because of the sheer amount of information, but It’s not a night course where you have to get in your car I’ll go back and take notes. Then I’ll have those notes that the presentation is exceptionally well done. and go,” Carson said. “It’s at your discretion.” for work.” “You hear the instructor’s voice – and she’s Morehead has been a member of Local 45 for about Morehead has taken several courses and plans very clear and very precise – then the view is of seven years and recognizes the value of a tool so easily at on taking more. He has taken Photoshop classes, her clicking through and navigating through Fi- hand. video editing courses, and a guide to an Adobe suite nal Cut Pro,” Carson said. “It’s very good because “I once heard a quote,” he said. “‘The expense isn’t that they’re getting involved with at the City of L.A. the way they shot it works very well with the what it costs to train employees, it’s what it costs not to which includes video editing, audio editing and file tutorial.” train them.’ There’s just a world of information within conversion programs. Lynda also offers a certificate Carson has been in the business for 30 years, Lynda.”

3 Spotlight on Stewards Two Local 45 members who get the job done By Kelly Ross John Vandenberg, GE At GE in Northern California, team Leader and IBEW Steward John Van- denberg has decades of industry experience under his belt and tirelessly works to mentor and serve his coworkers on a daily basis. Vandenberg, who has been a member of IBEW 45 since he started his career at GE, celebrated 26 years with the company this February. Needless to say, he is pretty good at what he does. “I am a team leader, so I do field service on all the major appliance proj- ects in Northern California,” said Vandenberg, a local to Northern California for over 45 years. This means he is usually doing something different, some- where different every day, which has given him a unique understanding of his trade as well as a love for the mega-region. As one of only three team leaders in the Bay Area, Vandenberg uses his leadership position to mentor his fellow workers. “They know they can call me and develop internships through me, or if they need any sort of help on the job, we’ve developed a sort of trust with me. If the guys ever need me, I’m here,” he said. Vandenberg humbly jokes that he is “an old guy” in the industry, but there is nothing old about his work ethic and ability to go above and beyond what is expected of his position. And this is just what he did three years ago when a steward retired leaving large shoes to fill. “I saw a need, and I stepped up,” he said. “I just want to make sure when we bargain with a company we are represented and our voices are heard and that the company follows protocol. It’s important that our basic needs are met and I work hard to do that.”

Edward Jones, LASD Police officers, firefighters, EMT’s and other professionals who work hard to keep the public sector running safely and smoothly rely heavily on technology every day. These hardworking professionals depend on technicians to ensure that when they reach for that radio to call for assistance or use a piece of equipment in their vehicle it works. Electronic Communications Technician Edward Jones at the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department takes this responsibility very seriously. “I keep the computers and the radios in the cars working,” Jones said. “You don’t want to be in some sort of emergency situation and not have those components working, so it’s important.” Originally from a small town in Western New York, Jones moved to the West Coast for work. “I came to California in the Air Force and retired in 2013 as a reservist,” Jones said “I was in for 33 years before I retired. I started when I was 18.” Jones is no stranger to hard work and has been with the sheriff’s department for over 18 years. “I love what I do, I’ve been here a long, long time,” he said. When Jones became a member of IBEW 45 about seven years ago he was struck by how much the union did for its members and jumped at the chance to be more involved. “I saw that they needed a steward to run our section and I basically just volunteered,” said Jones. “I wanted to know how the union negotiated with the county and how it could help my coworkers.” Now this former military man works tirelessly to ensure that his cowork- er’s needs are met. “I just really want to help my fellow employees out, now I kind of under- stand the process more and can do more to help with employer issues,” Jones said.

4 Open Channels Spring 2015 www.ibew45.org KTVU Owners Ignore Contract (Continued from page 1) Utility Training Spotlight on Stewards Unfair labor practice charges have been filed against both the previous owner and the cur- rent one. Local 45 has been meeting with KTVU to try to get a new contract in place, but Mc- Guigan described a response that many would consider heartless. “We challenged them on [their actions] and they said, ‘Well, we were within our legal right.’ Well, what’s legally right and morally right can often be different,” he said. Ocasio agrees that it is one of the most significant challenges the local has faced in many years. “It’s an assault on the bargaining agreement and on the bargaining process,” she said. McGuigan said the toll this is taking on the members is no small matter, noting one member who is on the verge of losing his home because of the cut backs. McGuigan also said that employers often take opportunities like this to weaken the union, and that members at this point need to remain strong while the local works to sort things out, either through legal action or via a new contract. “We remain hopeful that the board will find significant cause to level a complaint against the employer,” McGuigan said. “But in the In April, Local 45 partnered with our brothers and sisters at IBEW Local 48 to host a Utility Training in meantime we will continue to meet with the Portland, Oregon. The purpose of the five-hour training – which included protocol, etiquette and dress employer to try and work out a new agree- code – was to prep utilities in advance of upcoming FOX golf and football events and to better serve FOX ment.” Sports. Vic Permar, known as Super Utility, led the training. Retirees Corner

A barbecue retirement party was held for General Electric employees and IBEW 45 members Ken Santy, Bill Sousa, Paul Smith and Steve Hawley. Northern California Rep Hugh McGuigan joined the festivities to honor the retirees.

5 Notes From Around the Union: Northern California Report

Here’s a round up of recent activity from North- KRON ern California Rep. Hugh McGuigan: The members at KRON have spoken quite loudly about the low-ball contract offer the employer presented. By a unanimous vote the members KTVU rejected the package. Speaking even louder the Working with the Local’s attorney we continue members voted overwhelmingly to authorize to pursue remedies to the many problems with the bargaining team to call a strike if necessary. GE the new owners as well as action against the We are now in contact with the employer about The sale of the appliance business is moving former. Unfair Labor Practice charges have been getting back together to see if we can get a fair ahead and it appears that it will complete in the filed against both. We are also proceeding with a and reasonable contract. July/August time frame. Electrolux has not been grievance against COX for their failure to honor responsive to IBEW requests for information. terms of the agreement as well as failing to insist Initially they indicated that they would partici- that the agreement be assumed by FOX. At this KCRA pate in bargaining but have now backed away point we remain hopeful that the board will find In preparation for upcoming negotiations with from that position. It is unclear what the new sufficient cause to issue a complaint against FOX the employer a shop meeting was held in April. employer’s plans are as to the agreement and and COX. The meeting was well attended and the members made numerous contract improvement business operations. Business Representative suggestions. We are now preparing proposals Hugh McGuigan will be attending an IBEW/GE KPIX to present to the employer. We are scheduled to council meeting at the end of June and we hope The employer continues to have vehicle parking meet on June 18 and 19 for our initial bargain- that some clarity will come from those meetings. issues at the station and is incurring significant ing sessions. Due to an illness of our selected ar- fines for illegal parking. Even with this problem bitrator we requested that the employer agree to KFSN the employer is threatening to park more of select a replacement. This request was rejected The local continues to process claims against the the vehicles unless there is some consideration with the employer taking the position that the employer for their failure to grant the new and for travel time. This has not been agreed to and issue can be worked out at bargaining. improved vacation policy to Union employees. remains an open issue. (Continued on page 8) Notes From Around the Union: Public Sector & Southern Cal Report

Here’s a round up of recent activity from Public A grievance was filed against ITA management LA COUNTY Sector and Southern California Rep. Victor Marrero: after they eliminated Basharat Syed’s position at A shop meeting was held at USC Medical Center the 911 Center. This was a Senior Communication with the Medical Electronic Technicians (MET) Electrician Supervisory position and they gave to discuss the upcoming negotiations with the it to an ITA manager. Elaine and I met with ITA County and to find ways that the MET Committee management and with the ITA supervisor of that can present a pay discrepancy issue at a presen- section. She is arranging a meeting with the new tation. I want to thank George Mutafyan for his ITA General Manager and the HR Director. input and participation.

A letter from the Los Angeles City Employee Rela- A shop meeting was held with the ECT group at tions Board was received regarding the arbitra- Lancaster. They work for the L.A. County ISD tion against LAPD for not paying stand-by during Department and we discussed issues at the shop. the weekdays – a violation of MOU #2. The issues range from promotions to more work responsibility. A meeting with ITA’s Assistant General Manager LA CITY was held regarding a member not receiving prop- A Labor/Management meeting with the L.A. Coun- The negotiations between the City of Los Angeles er pay for an emergency appointment. ty Fire Department, our ECT group and IBEW (CAO’s Office) and the L.A./Orange County Build- Local 11 was held to discuss our member’s con- ing and Construction Trades Council continued A shop meeting at Valley Dispatch Center was cerns. The major issue that we have with the Fire on April 21, 2015. The City is moving on some held to answer questions about negotiations Department is that they are assigning firefighters key issues. We are waiting for the next Coalition and SEIU 721’s vote to strike. The strike vote was to program radios to new frequencies. In the past, meeting date. voted by SEIU members only and not the L.A./Or- we have filed grievances over this issue, but they ange County Building Trades Council. (Continued on page 7) 6 Open Channels Spring 2015 www.ibew45.org So-Cal Report to develop and train our members for the future company did not provide us with all the details (Continued from page 6) in new technology so that we can assist in the new of the discharge. Business Manager Ocasio has MISIS system. requested to meet on a second level step so that continue to violate our jurisdiction. I explained they can provide us with all the information. to the Fire Department’s Human Resources A member of the negotiation team and I met to Director that this is a violation of FCC rules and discuss the possible timeline for our members to Business Manager Ocasio has requested a meet- requested that for the safety of the public to receive their raise. He explained that it will take six ing with all stewards to discuss holiday work cease this practice. I was informed that they will to eight weeks. He told me that he will speak with assignments by the company. investigate this matter and that they will get the controller to get a better idea of the timeline. back to me on this issue at the next meeting. He will then send me an email with the informa- CAPITOL RECORDS tion. The L.A. County Sheriff’s ECT shop is beginning The steward and I met and we went over the new to hire new Electronic Communication Techni- contract and found some errors that need to be cians. I will be visiting the shop soon. LACCD corrected. A member of the L.A. County telephone section A shop meeting with the Theater and Communi- We had a meeting with the members to discuss wants to file a grievance because he has been cation Departments at LACC was held to discuss the new company policy. The members want us acting as a senior employee for six years and the issues that they are having with the new to arrange a Labor/Management meeting with the County has not hired him permanently. I supervisor. I have requested a meeting with the the company to clarify some of the items in the commented that they are abusing the system main person from each department to discuss our policy. and recommended that he file the grievance. I members’ concerns. informed him that I will be presenting this issue in the negotiation meeting this year. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS KCBS/KCAL Business Manager Ocasio and I had a meeting A member was discharged by Charter Communi- with the station’s photographers to discuss vari- LAUSD cations some time ago. After winning a grievance ous issues. The LAUSD Board approved our contract and and arbitration, the company continued to appeal also voted to continue paying the members’ the decision. The court ruled in our favor and health insurance until the end of this contract. ordered the company to put our member back to KGET (BAKERSFIELD) work and to also give him back pay. He went to We finally received the signed contract and it was Business Manager Ocasio has appointed a new work last week and the company is sending him to distributed to our members. steward after the previous member retired. train on new equipment since he has been gone for almost three years. KBAK (BAKERSFIELD) A District Technology Advisory Committee meet- All the members received a copy of the new ing was held, which I attended. My main goal is We filed a grievance on a new discharge after the contract. Working California

Local 45 members enjoyed the Working Californian’s Second Annual Social Inno- vation Summit at L.A. Trade Tech College on April 11. The Summit was a one day business school for working people taught by top programs from USC, UCLA, Loyola Marymount, Governor Jerry Brown’s Office of Business Development, the office of Secretary of State Alex Padilla and entrepreneurs Austin Beutner and Mickey Kantor. There were panel discussions, local entrepreneurs as well as top brands such as IBEW, Chipotle, Verizon, Jack Daniels and many more in atten- dance. The day ended with cash and electronic prizes and live music. The event was free to 10 Local 45 members seeking to expand their entrepreneurial skills.

7 KPIX I think it’s good because, first of all, the union is Nor-Cal Report (Continued from page 1) there to provide a uniform work environment for all of our members. That’s something we kind of take for (Continued from page 6) granted. Weekends off, overtime, all that stuff, it’s kind We are processing a grievance as well as NLRB KPIX, in their own words: of gone into the background. When you go back to the history of the IBEW, you realize there had to be some charges. serious fights for workplace safety and stuff we kind of count on now. KSEE/KGPE I like the fact that throughout my career I’ve had The bargaining team was able to get all of the older union members mentor me and bring my skills up to the next level. You’re passing the torch down to non-economic issues resolved at our last session. the next generation. That’s important. We were hopeful that we would then be able to work quickly through the monetary items. Regret- Maureen Crowe tably the employer’s wage offer was insulting at News Microwave & Satellite Ops/Editor best and more sessions are scheduled. Local 45 We’re kind of a catch all. We do a lot of different members at KSEE/KGPE have been very support- things here. ive and remain resolved in getting a new contract. Mike Monedero Well, I joined IBEW in Hartford, Connecticut, back in The offer from the employer showed no respect Production Assistant the late ’70s. Then I was inactive in IBEW, and when I for the work our members do and a half of a per- I do all of the in-between stuff and the reporter does came to work here in ’98 I became active. I think I’d be all the writing and the interviews. I do all of the in working for pennies if it wasn’t for the union, consider- cent raise is not even worthy of consideration. between stuff like setting up the interviews, doing pre- ing what’s been happening since Reagan’s time. interviews, stuff like that, a lot of the behind the scenes DAY WIRELESS moving parts. Angela Barragan I get opportunities to write, I get opportunities to Owner Gordon Day met with Business Rep Hugh shoot some stuff occasionally. There’s a lot of opportu- Master Control Operator McGuigan to discuss terms for a new agreement. nity for me to practice new things and learn new skills. Basically I’m responsible for everything that goes Gordon expressed concern that the location out over the air. I like to multitask. I like the pressure. I’ve never been part of a union before, so it’s an in- continues to run in the red and he is reluctant to It’s almost addicting. When you get that phone call teresting and new experience. It’s just nice to know that increase his costs additionally. He did however there are people you can go to when you’re having a from news, you are in a whole different mode. You have offer to improve standby treatment, meal period problem at work other than your immediate superior. to put them on air. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I like It’s nice to have someone who’s first priority is you and the challenge and I like being busy and challenged. It’s penalties and some improvement to holiday and making sure that you’re taken care of. the perfect job for me. sick pay treatment. We will be meeting with the We were at KBHK and we were bought out by CBS. membership to discuss this offer. Also of note, So a few of us were brought over here, and I was one of the survivors. I’ve been in the union since 1991. former member and steward Jerry Kornbau has It’s a constant battle with companies where they returned and has again offered to be shop stew- don’t want to pay you or give you benefits, so hav- ard. ing the protection [of the Union] is really comforting. I think it’s so important because we do need to be protected. KTXL The Local is processing a grievance against the employer for failure to pay meal period penalties to REPORTER/MMJ’s. With the contract only signed into place this past January it is unfortu- Bob Lai nate that arbitration is already necessary. Even Editor though the contract is quite clear the employer Now, I’m an editor. I’ve pretty much done everything is asserting that they did not intend for the meal but shoot. I started off as a production assistant, did period treatment to apply to REPORTER/MMJ’s. ENG for a stretch, operated the satellite truck, then I pinched a nerve so I couldn’t go back out in the field, GOLF UTILITY TRAINING so I’m doing mostly editing now. It will be 29 years in June. Dennis Patton Golf training for our members was held on April 24 in Portland, Oregon. Recently the Union and It’s great. This is news. There are days where it’s bor- Broadcast Technician ing, routine, and then there are stories where you’re It’s a lot of fun to watch television basically and get FOX Sports reached an agreement to do golf work going “Wow, I was part of that, I got to see it.” And it’s paid for it. I like the people I work with. I’ve been doing in the area and training was needed. Our Sister not always disasters. Sometimes there’s some really it a long time. We’ve got news, we’ve got sports, we’ve Local 48 was gracious enough to offer space to good stuff out there. I’ve seen four Popes come and got things that most people like to watch. It’s just a lot conduct the course. Business Representative Hugh go, the Giants win the World Series three times, Super of fun. It’s fun to work with people who are profession- McGuigan attended the training on behalf of Lo- Bowls, all of those things, it’s just fun being there. als and do a good job. cal 45. Originally the position I was filling wasn’t covered. I’ve got a full-time job. I’ve been through several The union kept saying, “We need to bring Bob into the contracts here. It’s a 40-hour week and we get good union, we want to assure quality.” benefits. MUTUAL SUPPORT IBEW 48 in Portland along with IATSE and AFTRA are in a labor dispute with Gannett Broadcast- ing. There was a rally against the employer on Saturday, April 25 in Pioneer Square. In a show of support Local 45 attended while in town for the above mentioned training.

NOMINATIONS FOR UNION OFFICES Nomination meetings were held around Northern California on Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13.