NBC Union Alleges Leadership is Stalling on Contract Negotiations, Displaying Graphics on 30 Rock

On Wednesday night, NBC's digital employee union displayed critical messages on 30 Rock, accusing the company's leadership of delaying the contract negotiation process.

The NBC Digital NewsGuild accused NBC News executives of "illegal behavior" by displaying "breaking news" messages on the company's flagship building in midtown Manhattan, 30 Rock.

The NBC Digital NewsGuild comprises journalists, editors, designers, video journalists, animators, social media strategists, and editorial staff of NBC News Digital, who have been striving for their first contract since unionizing in 2019.

The union has accused NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde, NBC News Editorial President Rebecca Blumenstein, Executive Vice President of Programming Janelle Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of News Catherine Kim, and Executive Vice President of TODAY and Lifestyle Libby Leist of violating labor laws through tactics such as laying off more than 20 union journalists without bargaining and retaliating against union members for engaging in protected activity.

Tate James, video editor and union leader, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that Cesar Conde and his leadership team have a tendency to break the law.

He stated that he is now dealing with a newsroom full of journalists who are frustrated with working without a contract and constantly pursuing their bosses in court. NBC News executives prioritize shareholder value, but they disregard the workers who generate that value. He emphasized the need for a fair contract and will not back down until he receives one.

In 2021, the National Labor Relations Board determined that NBC had illegally withheld over $350,000 in raises from union journalists, as stated in a press release obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital.

"NBC News bosses are breaking the law, so we're back outside 30 Rock to shed light on the situation," the NBC Guild posted on X Wednesday night. "Union workers have the right to a steward in investigatory meetings, but @cesarconde_'s management team illegally and inexcusably withheld that right from a member."

The @NBCNews executive team's latest unacceptable action is just the tip of the iceberg, but it won't deter our union from continuing to fight for a fair first contract and respect in the workplace. Our union is growing stronger and more committed every day.

Nearly 6,000 media professionals and other employees at New York area news organizations, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Thomson Reuters and ProPublica, are represented by the NewsGuild of New York, Local 31003 of the Communications Workers of America.

NBC News did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.