MSNBC And NBC Face A Writers’ Strike In Their News Department Over Allegations Of Unfair Practices

TV & Film

Feb 10

The Hill reported on Wednesday that writers for the network giants NBC and MSNBC were threatening to walk off the job in protest, with the chief complaint being that layoffs have been both unfair and in violation of union rights. It even went so far as to cite unsafe working conditions as one of the pressing issues. The NBC Guild asserted on Thursday that the network has “repeatedly broken the law, disrespected the rights of its employees, and illegally terminated hard-working union journalists.” They elaborated further saying, “For three years we’ve done award-winning work without a contract that would secure fair pay, adequate raises, health & safety standards, dependable benefits, and a viable future.”

The union went on to acknowledge that the management wants to go back to the status quo, while the union wants to “only move forward” from here on out. A protest was planned for and held on Thursday outside of the New York headquarters. NBC released the following statement to The Hill.

“We are disappointed by the Newsguild’s continued attempts to misrepresent the facts while we work in good faith with them to reach an agreement.”

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Hello Magazine reports that a 24-hour walkout included employees of the Today show. Longtime fans of Today expect sizable crowds outside of the 30 Rockefeller Plaza building. Thursday fans both in person as well as at home watching saw the protestors up front and center.

NBC, MSNBC, and Today show union journalists protested in solidarity and in support of the seven journalists who were laid off last month. It is noteworthy that those journalists were union members. The Rainbow Observation Deck had a much different vibe to it that was captured across social media. Protestors picketed with varying signs, some of which were Today show employees as well. Examples of the signage included “NBC – follow the law!” “Two years too long,” and “Fair contract now.” Today employees were creative in their signage with statements such as “TODAY is a great day for a fair contract.”

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