Between 2008 and 2010 IATSE Local 794 negotiated with Fox for a fair contract for its members at WNYW and WWOR.  The negotiations resulted in tremendous give backs by the Union.  Fox, like other Corporations were in difficult times due to the financial crisis of 2008.  In good faith and with assurances from Fox that when the Company was in better financial shape, so would be the Employees, IATSE Local 794 agreed to a substantial number of give-backs.  In part, Wage reductions of 5%, loss of a week of vacation time, Reduction in Night Time Differential, Loss of a Paid Meal period, Loss of penalties for missed breaks, and the freezing and giving up of control of our Pension Plan to Fox.  

We have been negotiating for a successor agreement since 2011.  Almost 8 years with no wage increases and no retroactive pay offered by Fox.  Factoring in the 5% wage give back, our members have been living on pay rates from 2006 while working harder than ever.  An increase in our medical premiums, increases in Tolls, Mass transit fares, property taxes, and basic life necessities affected by inflation.  Basically no Cost of Living increase.  All while Fox has benefited tremendously financially.  Between the broadcast spectrum auction, the agreement with T-Mobile to vacate the broadcast channel earlier than the FCC proposed, the recent Disney deal, and the Tax overhaul plan – Fox has been able to make huge financial gains.  Let’s not forget that WNYW has been very profitable as the Flagship Owned and Operated TV station of Fox.

The Co has held its position on below average wage increases, while not budging on the following:
- Give back of another week of vacation
- Reduction in sick leave benefits, as our premiums increase year after year
- Further reduction in our night time differential (work performed between midnight and 6 am)
- Major jurisdictional seizures
- Reduction in severance payments
- Further outsourcing of our work to Las Vegas, Closing the News broadcast at WWOR and transferring            
the work to Trenton/”Chasing News”
- The hiring of only 2 new full time Staff Employees in the last 8 years; after the layoff of over 30
Employees and the retirement of over a dozen more.
- The loss of Freelance Employees due to subpar wages
- The refusal to acknowledge that the technicians covered under this agreement perform the same work that is broadcast over the air, and to cable providers, satellite providers and OTT providers.

By its actions, Fox has demonstrated that it has no interest in working with Unions, and has not shown any interest in investing in their current Employees as moral at WNYW has plummeted in recent years.  

IATSE Local 794 simply wants a Fair Contract with Fox.  One that allows for industry comparable wage increases, and a sense of inclusion in television stations that Local 794 members have helped achieve greatness over the last 75 years.