N.Y. Local Wins Bargaining Rights at U.N (IBEW Local 1212)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.ibew.org/articles/13daily/1312/131213_NYLocalWins.htm

December 13, 2013

Longtime members of N.Y. Local 1212 who perform all video, editing and broadcasting at the U.N. were deeply worried.


Members of Local 1212 have been broadcasting sound and video programs from the U.N. headquarters in New York City since 1945.

Bargaining unit members had diligently covered the New York City-based forum for global dialogue since 1945, but the U.N. had signed a contract with a new nonunion company, Team People, to manage production in their areas of expertise.

U.S. labor law does not govern employer-employee relations at the U.N. With no rights to bargain directly with the U.N., would they remain part of a union team? Or, would they be shoved into “at- will” status, subject to termination at the new company’s whim?

While U.S. labor law was no help bargaining with the U.N., it applies to the relationship between the local and Team People. Taking no chances, Local 1212 filed charges at the National Labor Relations Board asserting rights to bargain with Team People over wages, working conditions and terms of employment.

In December, Team People agreed to recognize Local 1212 in return for the local dropping its NLRB charge. One bargaining session has already been held on a new agreement. Two sessions are scheduled for January.

FULL story at link.