For nearly a century, our collaboration with CBS has been a testament to the power of unity and innovation. Since the 1930s, we've witnessed an incredible evolution in the media industry—from the advent of radio to the emergence of black-and-white television, and on to the vibrant world of color, high-definition, and 4K. Today, as we embrace the latest advancements in IP technology, one thing remains constant: IBEW Technicians have been at the heart of every technological leap forward. Our expertise and dedication have not only kept CBS at the cutting edge but have also shaped the very fabric of modern broadcasting. CBS works because the IBEW works, and the IBEW thrives because of each and every one of you.
Every member of the IBEW plays a crucial role in our continued success and in securing the future for those who will follow in our footsteps. The media industry is evolving rapidly, and with it, CBS is undergoing significant transformations. Throughout these changes, our strength has always been our unity, our ability to come together as a cohesive IBEW team. Today, this unity is more critical than ever before.
As many of you know, our contract with CBS expires in April 2025. This upcoming negotiation is poised to be one of the most consequential of our lifetime. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, and CBS will undoubtedly seek to leverage these changes. It is imperative that we continue to assert our jurisdiction and ensure that our members are treated with the fairness and respect they deserve.
We are the backbone of this industry. We are the ones in the trenches, getting the content out to millions to view. Whether it’s a local newscast, a political show on the stream, or the Super Bowl, IBEW technicians are there ensuring the job is done right and to the highest standard of quality. Yet often, we face unreasonable workloads due to poor management decisions made in the name of efficiency, all while some divisions operate as inefficiently as possible, demanding flexibility to assign IBEW jurisdictional work to non-technicians who lack the necessary expertise.
This must stop.
In the coming months, we will be providing you with more information, resources, and tools to prepare for bargaining. It is essential that we all stay informed, engaged, and united. If you haven't spoken to a shop steward or local union lately, we encourage you to reach out. Talk to your fellow union members, get involved, and get educated.
We must stand together as IBEW Technicians to secure our future at CBS. Just as those who came before us paved the way, it is now our turn to safeguard the legacy and ensure a prosperous future for the next generation. Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we can face any challenge that comes our way.