The Directors Guild of America's National Board has unanimously approved a new three-year agreement with ABC, CBS and NBC that covers 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, which began late in November 2001, were concluded on May 31.
"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," according to Russ Hollander, the DGA's Eastern Executive Director. "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 the 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."
The economic package calls for a 3% across-the-board wage and fee increase each year 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.
Other elements of the approved settlement reflect changes beneficial to both the Guild and the three companies.
"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 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.
"Improving diversity hiring in all areas of network television is a top priority of the DGA, and we will continue to work with the employers in every way we possibly can until we are satisfied that those who deserve the opportunities are getting the opportunities," said DGA President Martha Coolidge.
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.
The Directors Guild of America was founded in 1936 to protect the economic and creative rights of directors through the collective bargaining process. Its membership has grown to include more than 12,000 members and has expanded to include not only the director but the directorial team -- Unit Production Managers, Assistant Directors, Technical Coordinators, Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates. The DGA is headquartered in Los Angeles and has regional offices in New York and Chicago.
