For Immediate Release: October 22, 2024

Contact: Matt Spence, 202-728-6014

 

IBEW Responds to CBS Layoffs

Today, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. announced layoffs affecting IBEW staff in New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

“We’re disappointed that CBS was unable to find a way to retain these highly skilled professionals in their operation,” said IBEW Director of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Robert Prunn. “IBEW members have been producing CBS broadcasts since before the invention of television, and these layoffs are a hard pill to swallow.

“In the days ahead, we’ll be working with our members and CBS to ensure that the terms of the IBEW-CBS contract are followed closely and that our members receive all of the notice and benefits due to them during this period of transition,” Prunn said.

The cuts include IBEW members working as editors, in media ingest and distribution and show production.

“We understand that there are additional pressures on CBS due to the pending Skydance Media takeover. As the largest union representing CBS employees, we will continue to monitor the network’s actions and follow the sale’s approval process by the FCC and other government entities involved,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 838,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.