Is CNN Violating Labor Laws?

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has posted that one of their judges came to the conclusion that CNN America was in violation of labor laws, by discriminating against workers in areas of Washington and New York. This judge commented that CNN engaged in “widespread and egregious misconduct,” and that CNN was “demonstrating a flagrant and general disregard for the employees’ fundamental rights.” After issuing this statement the judge instructed CNN to participate in steps to resolve the problem.

One of the steps that the NLRB is requiring of CNN is the reinstatement of over 100 workers (including back pay or retraining). However, CNN has decided to appeal this claim, stating that it was not in violation of these labor laws. Because CNN is currently appealing the NLRB’s verdict, the enforcement of the steps is not in force yet.

CNN has released a statement saying, “The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint against CNN, based on alleged unfair labor practice charges filed by the National Association of Broadcast Employees & Technicians, otherwise known as NABET. The case stems from CNN’s decision to end its relationship with Team Video Services, an outside vendor to its New York and Washington bureaus, and instead reconfigure its operations and staff its bureaus with CNN employees.” CNN added that it “disagrees with the recommended decision and denies that it violated the National Labors Relations Act. CNN plans to appeal this decision to the full NLRB. Because an appeal will be filed, the Judge’s recommended decision is not enforceable and is not binding.”

However, there are always two sides to a coin, as NABET is pleased with the way things have turned out. President of NABET-CWA Local 31/Local 52031, J. Carl Mayers, said “It is a great victory for all union workers and would not have been possible without the hard work and courage of the members that were terminated by CNN as well as those that remained and never gave up hope.”

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