For years, CNN has sidestepped union issues by subcontracting technical staff through Team Video Services. CNN broke off the relationship with that provider in December 2003 and January 2004 and directly hired employees to perform camera, studio and engineering work in New York and Washington.
It took 4 years, but the National Labor Relations Board has determined that CNN violated labor laws when it ended its subcontract agreement with Team Video for tech work and has ordered the cable news network to reinstate more than 100 workers at the two bureaus.
In its 169-page decision, the NLRB considered CNN’s goal was to operate the bureaus without a union.
Administrative law Judge Arthur Amchan found that CNN was a joint employer of Team Video Services and was obligated to recognize and bargain with NABET over the decision to terminate the subcontracting relationship and the hiring of new employees.
CNN said it will appeal the decision.