
NBC threatened with Christmas special strike
A labor union is threatening to pull the plug on NBC’s "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" special and launching a public campaign accusing the network of unfair bargaining practices.
The National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians says it intends to go on strike during NBC’s famous annual tree-lighting ceremony Wednesday and have launched a Web site — NBCstolechristmas.com — comparing NBC to Dr. Seuss’ Grinch.
“We can’t let the Grinch at NBC steal another Christmas from thousands of honest working people,” said Local 11 president Ed McEwan. “This charade must stop. Christmas is supposed to be a time of goodwill, but the network’s management is trying to hide behind their fancy lights while leaving their employees in the dark.”
The union claims there has been little progress on its labor contract since it expired in March. In addition to targeting the tree lighting ceremony, the union is also using online advertising to spread its message.
What’s not clear is whether the union can literally prevent the tree lighting ceremony. Sources say if the union walks off the set, the question becomes whether NBC can get another qualified non-union crew in time. With the union giving the network a rather public heads-up notice today, one would think NBC will have plenty of time to make contingency plans.
The NBC special is co-hosted by "Chuck" star Zach Levi and "30 Rock" co-star Jane Krakowski and includes appearances by celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin and Shakira.
UPDATE: Despite the union’s attempt to hold NBC’s Christmas tree hostage, the network expects the special to air without interruption. Here’s a statement from NBC:
“It is ironic that NABET is apparently unhappy about lack of progress in its NBC Universal negotiations when it is the union which recently canceled three days scheduled for negotiations, November 18, 19 and 20th. Since that time, despite the Company’s availability for meetings, the union has failed to offer alternative dates, as promised, and is apparently unwilling to meet with NBC Universal. Progress can only be made in labor negotiations when the parties are negotiating. It is unfortunate that the union is resorting to threats as opposed to meeting its obligation to engage in collective bargaining.”
www.thrfeed.com/2009/12/nbc-threatened-with-christmas-special-shutdown-.html
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