CBS and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have reached a tentative contract agreement that, if ratified, would be effective through January 31, 2015.
The agreement covers 2,800 technicians working for CBS in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami and Atlanta.
It calls for three pay raises of 2.5 percent each, on July 31, 2011, February 2013, and February 2014. CBS and the IBEW also agreed to greater flexibility in some working conditions, including jurisdiction. The technicians will still be covered under either the CBS Healthcare Plan or the Entertainment Industry Flex Plan.
CBS and IBEW's current contract agreement was set to expire on January 31, 2012. Last year, after extending the agreement, the parties resolved to reach a new, long-term plan by that date.
IBEW International president Ed Hill said that the new agreement "lays the foundation for continued cooperation between CBS and the IBEW as we confront the constantly changing world of media and explore new opportunities together."
CBS president and CEO Leslie Moonves added that the parties' ability to reach an early agreement "demonstrates the strength of the working relationship between CBS and the IBEW and reaffirms CBS's commitment to the IBEW's highly skilled workforce."
The agreement now awaits ratification by the affected workers. The ratification process is expected to be complete by July 29.
