About Us
NABET-CWA Local 11 New York City
The National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians is the Broadcasting and Cable Television Worker Sector of the Communications Workers of America, Local 51011 in New York City. Local 11 is located at 49 West 37th Street 16th Floor, New York, New York, 10018. 212-757-3065.
Local 11 represents engineers and employees who work at NBC Universal, NBA Entertaiment, River Operating Company, BRIC Arts Media, Bronxnet, Fortis Media, Tupelo-Honey Productions, and other video and audio production companies in the NY Metro area. Local 11 is managed by its general elected officers, including the Executive Board, and is composed of elected representatives from its constituent shops.
Historical background: "NABET Your Union" has been the theme of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians almost from its inception in 1934. NABET began its history of representing employees in Broadcasting (Television, Radio, Film and Production) at what was then called the RED and BLUE networks, now ABC and NBC. At that time NABET's (then ATE, the Association of Technical Employees) first contract provided $175.00 per month and 48-hour weeks. In 1937 NABET expanded, covering independent radio and television stations, and in 1939 achieved a union shop clause. In 1940 came the name change from ATE to NABET, and in 1941 the first 8-hour day, and NABET grew to 23 independent contracts. In 1951, NABET affiliated with the CIO, followed in 1952 by the Canadians joining NABET. By 1960 NABET's independent contracts grew to 100. In 1965, came the first film local. In 1968 the Canadians achieved local autonomy followed in 1974 by full autonomy. In 1993, NABET affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, followed in 1994 with a full merger, which resulted in the new name NABET/CWA. Over the years, NABET has fought for and won benefits and wages for its represented members which include a union shop, 8-hour work days, vacations, holidays, sick leave, insurance, overtime pay, pension plans, seniority, grievance and arbitration, safety, and health. NABET is proud of its fine tradition of democracy and the servicing of its members by officers and staff whose roots are in the industry it now serve.
At the bargaining table: Elected officers and trained staff head up collective bargaining efforts within the Union. Seated with them are rank-and-file NABET members, attuned to the needs of those they represent. NABET contracts spell out worker's rights and management's obligations for decent wages, benefits and other working conditions. These contracts provide an insurance policy against unfair treatment on the job. Most NABET contracts provide health and medical insurance, pensions, wages, overtime, vacations, holidays, sickness absence policies, employment security and grievance and arbitration rights. Many also provide for bereavement pay and differentials for certain types of work and/or hours of work. Before a contract takes effect, the members have a right to vote whether to accept it. And, should a problem develop under the contract, trained stewards-backed up by elected officers and professional staff- are available to represent its members and resolve grievances.
On the Job: Technological change is sweeping the workplace, creating new opportunities and new problems for today's workers. NABET, along with CWA, and a broad coalition of other Entertainment and Broadcast Unions, civic groups, religious leaders, environmental activists and concerned citizens have banded together in many locations to meet the challenge of these changes as it affects our membership. NABET/CWA, its officers, stewards and members participate in mass mobilization efforts at various times and locations throughout the U.S. to focus public attention on workers needs.
In the community: NABET/CWA and CWA members and their families live and work in 10,000 communities across the U.S. and Canada. CWA is also in the forefront of legislative initiatives to reform the health care system, overhaul safety and health laws, win stronger labor law and striker protection, and promote the creation of good-paying high-skill jobs in America. To promote these and other interests of working men and women, CWA is active in the jobs with justice coalition - a force dedicated to working people and their needs.