CWA Members Win New Agreement at WGBH

Communications Workers of America Local 1400 has reached a tentative agreement with WGBH on a new three-year contract covering 240 workers at the public broadcasting station.

The agreement includes substantial improvements over the previous contract, which expired in February of 2020. Wage minimums will increase by 13 percent and annual wage increases will no longer be left to the discretion of management. All employees covered by the contract will now receive overtime and holiday pay. There will be limits on cost-sharing for health insurance premiums.

“This strong contract is a result of our members’ determination to win much-needed changes at WGBH,” said Don Trementozzi, President of CWA Local 1400. “The agreement shows the power workers have when they join together in a union to fight for fair and equitable working conditions. When we fight, we win.”

“We bargained this agreement under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Barry Clegg, CWA Local 1400 District Vice President and Senior Editor for FRONTLINE PBS. “It wasn’t easy, but we stuck together and the result is a contract that sets a high standard and that we can all be proud of. The union members at WGBH are passionate about the rich and important programming we provide for our public media audience, and we are excited to continue this work moving forward.”

Other improvements include guaranteed vacation and sick leave, guaranteed holidays, improved severance pay and a provision that the use of contractors cannot result in layoffs.

The agreement will be sent to members for a ratification vote.