Dozens of employees at CBS News’s streaming division initiated a 24-hour strike on Tuesday, following a breakdown in crucial union contract negotiations. The labor action, involving approximately 60 unionized staff members of “CBS News 24/7,” took place at the network’s New York headquarters and its San Francisco-based KPIX-TV CBS News Bay Area office.
The dispute centers on a failure to reach an agreement regarding raises, predictable work schedules, and severance packages, leading to the expiration of their three-year contract last week, as reported by The Wrap. This marks a significant early challenge for Bari Weiss, who was appointed CBS News editor-in-chief last year amidst controversy over her lack of traditional TV news experience and her perceived leaning towards more conservative viewpoints.
Core Demands and Employee Frustrations
Jordan Lilly, a producer for CBS News 24/7 and a member of the bargaining committee, emphasized the importance of investment in streaming news, which he describes as the future of the company and a domain his team has cultivated for over a decade. He voiced concerns about management’s new demands, including mandatory weekend shifts of up to 12 hours despite no dedicated weekend programming, characterized by a “get on board or get out” attitude.
Lilly articulated a sentiment prevalent among employees: “We generally get treated like we are lucky to be here even though we are the ones that make everything show up on your screen.” Another producer, Tiffany Hudson, highlighted the limited direct communication from Weiss to the 24/7 staff, noting that information about workplace changes often circulates through rumors and trade publications. Employees are keen to secure robust protections within their new contract, particularly concerning severance and overtime, given the current climate.
Bari Weiss’s Tumultuous Tenure and Union Stance
Bari Weiss’s leadership has been a subject of considerable discussion since CBS News acquired her “Free Press” news and opinion blog for $150 million and subsequently installed her in the top editorial role. Critics have pointed to her previous actions, such as crossing a picket line during a long-running strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to participate in a feature about herself, as indicative of her stance on unionized labor. Her own media venture, The Free Press, is notably non-unionized.
The Writers Guild of America, which represents the CBS News 24/7 staff, had previously advised members not to comply with a request from Weiss for daily activity reports, expressing reservations about the intent behind such a demand. A CBS News spokesperson, in response to the situation, affirmed that the network “continue[s] to negotiate in good faith and hope[s] to reach a fair resolution quickly.”
Uncertain Future Amid Restructuring and Merger Talks
The ongoing negotiations are compounded by broader uncertainties within CBS News. The network reportedly plans to implement layoffs affecting 15% of its staff as part of a restructuring effort led by Weiss. These concerns are further heightened by Paramount’s massive $110 billion offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN. The potential merger adds another layer of anxiety for employees, who fear job cuts could become more widespread.
Both Lilly and Hudson stressed the critical importance of strong severance packages, especially with the looming possibility of layoffs, regardless of whether the proposed merger proceeds. They emphasized that ensuring equitable exit packages is the most effective way to safeguard their colleagues from financial hardship should they lose their positions. Weiss’s time at the helm of CBS News has been characterized by significant staff turnover, declining ratings for key programming, and criticism that the network is increasingly catering to a Trump-friendly audience.
