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DGA's National Board Approves New Three-Year Network Agreement
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On June 11, the DGA's National Board unanimously approved a new three-year agreement with ABC, CBS and NBC covering staff and freelance members employed in news, sports and operations at the companies' television networks and at a number of their owned television stations. The agreements contain improvements in key economic areas and protect DGA jurisdictions and jobs as new technologies are introduced in the workplace. The negotiations began late in November 2001 and were concluded on May 31, 2002.
"The agreement is the end product of a tough and lengthy negotiation that recognizes the Guild's commitment to our members and our industry," said Network Staff Negotiations Committee Chair William M. Brady. "Our goal was to deliver the best contract in a rapidly changing network business world, against the backdrop of a post–9/11 economy. I believe we succeeded."
The economic package calls for a yearly 3% across-the-board wage
and fee increase for staff employees and Freelance Directors. Freelance Associate Director/Stage Manager/ Production Associate wages will increase more than 7% over the span of the contract. CBS Freelance rates will increase by an additional 1% in the first year, reducing the current disparity between the Freelance rates at CBS and those at the other networks.
"These negotiations were long and complex, but the Guild's Network Staff Negotiating Committee was able to obtain a very attractive contract for our members," said DGA Eastern Executive Director Russ Hollander. "In the area of new technologies, we were able to work with the networks in a spirit of cooperation. We gave them the flexibility they need to introduce new technologies. In return, we received commitments from them that DGA members will receive training and be afforded opportunities to work in these new technologies not within the exclusive jurisdiction of any other union. It was truly a 'win-win' situation."
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Other elements of the approved settlement reflect changes beneficial to both the Guild and the three companies.
The agreement also calls for each network to appoint a high-level executive to meet at least once a year with the DGA to discuss matters relating to diversity hiring in news, sports and operations. This mirrors the provision that the DGA negotiated with the AMPTP in its most recent Basic Agreement negotiations.
These negotiations were the first since 1987 in which the Guild negotiated an agreement with all three Networks simultaneously. The agreements will be submitted to the membership of the Directors Guild for ratification. It is anticipated that the membership ratification will be concluded by mid-July.
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