Labor Dispute Between GolfChannel And Cameramen Settled
There’s good news for those who endured the almost laughably disjointed broadcast of the Sony Open. The labor strife between GolfChannel and union camera/video workers was resolved. Golfworld’s Ryan Herrington outlines the settlement.
The two-year deal puts an end to the labor dispute between the two groups that impacted coverage of a handful of PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and Web.com Tour events.
Officials with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which represents more than 300 broadcast workers, said that the new contract is retroactive to June 13, 2017, when their previous contract with the Golf Channel expired. According to union officials, the new deal satisfied their desire for, among other things, improved wages and health-care contributions. The union had contended that wages had been “far below” the standard paid by other sports broadcasters. Union members ratified the new deal, specifics of which were not disclosed, over a three-day voting period that ended at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
“Everyone who works in sports broadcasting will benefit from this contract because it raises the floor for all workers,” said IATSE International president Matthew D. Loeb in a press release.
Good times.
The Sony Open’s broadcasting struggles once again proved the cliche that the definition of a professional is someone who makes their job appear so easy, anyone believes they can do it. The panic replacements couldn’t hold a candle to the seasoned pros capabilities.
