Labor dispute over Pac-12 Networks reaches Stanford University

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is throwing a Hail Mary pass to Stanford University’s president.

In a tactic to put pressure on the Pac 12-Networks, with which the union has been in a long-standing labor dispute, the union on Thursday publicized a letter Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) sent to Stanford University President John Hennessy.

Hennessy is a board member of the Pac-12 Networks, which televises collegiate athletics for the PAC 12 Conference teams, including Stanford.

In the letter, Schiff takes the company to task for its treatment of camera operators, sound operators and other technicians who work on the conference broadcasts.

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“As a result of the Pac-12 Networks’ decision on wages and benefits, many of these hard working men and women may no longer be able to qualify for health and pension benefits, and are experiencing financial hardship,” Schiff wrote. “As a board member of the PAC-12 Networks, you are well positioned to bring about a change in this policy and I want to join many of my colleagues in urging you and other Board Members to do so.”

In a statement, Pac-12 Networks defended its treatment of the technicians.

“We take great pride in offering compensation above the industry average in the vast majority of positions as well as superior working conditions for everyone associated with the Pac-12 Networks,” the statement read. “We remain committed to open dialogue with union leadership, even as we remain steadfast in our commitment to the flexible model that has proven successful in our first year of operation.”

The company provides cable and satellite broadcasts of Pac-12 Conference teams’ sporting events, including football and women’s basketball.

In December 2012, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees launched a two-week strike against Pac-12 Networks and staged protests at several sites, including at Arizona State University in Tempe; Oregon State University in Corvallis; the University of Oregon in Eugene; and the University of Washington in Seattle.

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