The agreements contain significant improvements that protect and strengthen Guild jobs, earnings and benefits. The Negotiating Committee secured across the board wage and fee increases of 3% in the first and second years and 3.5% in the third year for Staff and Freelance Employees. The agreements also include an outsized increase for Freelance Employees employed on a weekly basis in Chicago; a 57% increase in the base upon which pension and health contributions are made on behalf of CBS Sports Associate Director/Associate Producer Hyphenates; and a modification of the formula on which CBS makes pension contributions on behalf of its Staff News Directors which will result in a substantial increase in the accuracy and amount contributed. (This was not an issue at ABC or NBC).

Additionally, the Committee and Networks established several cooperative committees to address matters of ongoing concern during the term of the agreements. Most importantly, the Networks agreed to meet with the DGA during the term of the agreements on a Company-by-Company basis to hold open and frank discussions on potential assignments that may exist or develop on news and sports programs made for New Media. The Networks also agreed to establish committees to address work-related issues (including increased compensation) for Staff and Freelance Employees on the morning news shows; explore the Guild’s request that Staff Employees be covered by the DGA-Producer Health Plan rather than the Company’s Health Plan; and discuss increased compensation for Directors assigned to automated control rooms (such as Parkervision, Ignite and Ross Overdrive).

At the same time it was securing these gains, the Committee successfully withstood a host of onerous Network proposals intended to reduce certain fees, to weaken short turnaround and night shift differentials, to modify cancelled call provisions and to introduce a four hour call for Freelance Employees.

Ballots and agreement summaries were sent to members covered under these contracts on February 11, 2008 and results will be announced after the ballots are due on March 3, 2008.