NABET-CWA Local 59053
1918 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA  91506
(818) 846-0490

Facts At A Glance
NAME.- Local 53 of National Association of Broadcast Employees and
Technicians, the Broadcasting and Cable Television Workers Sector of the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO

HEADQUARTERS: NABET-CWA Local 53’s Headquarters is at 1918 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA  91506

PHONE NUMBER: (818) 846-0490

AFFILATIONS: The Local is affiliated with the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

SIZE: NABET-CWA Local 53, the Broadcast and Cable Union, represents over 2,100 workers employed in broadcasting in the Southern California area.

JURISDICTON: Nabet-CWA Local 53 jurisdiction includes the following geographical areas: The Counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo in the State of California.

EMPLOYER GROUPS: (Alphabetically) Fox Digital, Fox Television (KTTV / KCOP), Univision (KMEX), Telemundo (KVEA / KWHY), NBC (KNBC).

MEMBERSHIP: NABET-CWA Local 53 Members are employed in broadcasting, news media, cable television, electronics, and other fields.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: NABET-CWA holds over 100 Collective Bargaining Agreements, spelling out wages, benefits and working conditions for its members Among major employers of NABET-CWA members are Fox, NBC, ABC and independent companies covering the private and public sectors.

OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES: 1.) To promote the health and welfare of Members and their families and to provide facilities for advancing their cultural, educational, social and recreational interests

2.) To receive, manage, invest, expend, or otherwise use the funds and properties of the Local Union

3.) To provide a death benefit for the Members of this Local by insurance, a death benefit fund or other means, in such amount and subject to such rules, regulations, and procedures as the Local Executive Board may establish

4.) To provide a retirement payment for its Members, by insurance, a retirement fund or other means and in such amount and subject to such rules, regulations and procedures as the Local Executive Board may establish

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP: Any person employed or qualified for employment in the broadcasting, distributing, telecasting, recording, filming and allied industries, shall be eligible for membership.

LEADERSHIP: The Nabet-CWA Local 53 top officers include President Leroy Jackson, Vice President Lisa Kassner, Treasurer John Alarid, and Secretary Gary Singleman.

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 serves.

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 workers' 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.