However the union rank and file were so infuriated by the company's 300-page proposal that they spontaneously decided to reject the offer at all the meetings. At all six meetings, the members present in a non-binding vote, showed their displeasure with the Company's arrogant position and voted nearly unanimously to reject the package without a ratification vote. The workers have been without a new contract since March 1997, with job security and productivity being two of the most contentious issues. The two sides are still negotiating under the auspices of a federal mediator, and have agreed not to release details of the negotiations to the press. The WSWS spoke to a number of workers on the New York picket line the day following the last meeting.
Job security goes out the window.
They are trying to get rid of seniority. They have a clause where they can dismiss you without severance pay. The union has already compromised on several issues, but ABC has not given up anything. They say that we have to face up to the changes in the industry with the developments of cable, amongst other things. I have worked in buildings that no longer exist.