NBC10 Workers on Strike Ahead of Pope’s Arrival
Turns out this week’s optimism was misplaced: Photographers and technicians at NBC10 have walked off the job, just ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia.
A spokesman for the station said the strike would have “no impact” on the station’s coverage.
“While it is unfortunate that IBEW Local 98 has decided to engage in a job action, we remain committed to ensuring this has no impact on our broadcast,” the spokesman said. “Our viewers will continue to have full access to all of our local news and information without interruption. We remain steadfast in our commitment to achieve a mutual resolution of our outstanding issues with the union.”
Striking workers demonstrated at the Comcast Center, where NBC’s corporate parent was hosting journalists from around the world at a reception for the the papal visit:
BREAKING: NBC 10 techs, photographers, others on strike as #popeinphilly begins #workersrights pic.twitter.com/UJoedIAEvM
— People's Tech Project (@peoplestech_) September 24, 2015
.@NBCPhiladelphia techs, photographers out on strike just as @Pontifex plans to arrive. NBC owned by @comcast pic.twitter.com/BfbcQVnakd
— People's Tech Project (@peoplestech_) September 24, 2015
Workers have been w/o contract since July 14. One tech director told me his job used to be done by 9 people. @IBEW98 #workersrights
— People's Tech Project (@peoplestech_) September 24, 2015
The workers — reportedly around 65 of them — are striking as members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. IBEW officials did not immediately return calls for comment.
