NABET-CWA Bulletin: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

B U L L E T I N

WASHINGTON, DC

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

March 16, 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In these terribly uncertain times, we want to provide you with a status update regarding this national emergency, and steps we are all taking to protect and defend our members and their rights.

First and foremost, we care deeply about the health and safety of our members and their families. We are closely monitoring news reports as well as guidance from the CDC, federal, state and local governments. We urge all members to follow recommended best practices for good hygiene and proper healthcare: thorough hand washing, appropriate social distancing, avoid large gatherings, postpone or cancel unnecessary travel, and most importantly – stay home if you are ill.

NABET-CWA national and local leaders are in touch with all of our various broadcast, cable and production employers, and we are working cooperatively with them during this national health crisis. As you can imagine, there are dozens of different circumstances to be considered and dealt with. Some operations are essential and will require employees to continue reporting to work. In other cases, staggered work assignments or work-from-home scenarios are being implemented. Unfortunately, we are also experiencing a vast number of event cancellations. Most major sporting events have been postponed or cancelled for the next several weeks. Throughout our industry a number of television shows and productions have been suspended or placed in an unplanned hiatus status. Confusion and uncertainty abound throughout our industry.

We assure you that your Union is doing everything possible to collect accurate information about these disruptions and we are working with all of our employers and business partners to minimize the impact to our members. There is no broad, sweeping approach to this situation, and there are no easy answers to every problem that arises. Many situations that are developing are unique to this emergent crisis, and must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

We fully support all government-sponsored initiatives and legislative efforts to provide relief and assistance, such as: free coronavirus testing, expanded FMLA provisions, unemployment benefits, food assistance as well as paid emergency sick leave. We will update our websites with information and news, as it becomes available.

If you have specific concerns or reports of situations that the Union should be aware of, please contact your Local Union Office.

In the meantime we wish the best of health to you and your families.

In Solidarity,

NABET-CWA