Striking KTLA Technicians OK 3-Year Contract

The 140 technicians who walked off their jobs at KTLA-TV on April 1 agreed Sunday to return to work, ratifying a new three-year contract that freezes their wages this year.

KTLA, Hollywood’s pioneer television station, had stayed on the air by using supervisory personnel since the walkout by Local 695 of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees.

IATSE negotiators called the strike after refusing to accept a management contract offer, which they claimed called for a 5% wage cut. The union had sought a 7% salary hike for this year.

Freeze Called Acceptable

James Osburn, executive director of the local, said the 1985 wage-freeze provision was acceptable to his members because previously negotiated contracts have given the local one of the highest wage bases in the nation.

The technicians voted 119 to 7 to accept the pact, which includes a 3% wage increase next year and a 2.5% increase in the final year, Osburn said.

“I’m very pleased,” he said, adding that technicians returned to work at midnight Sunday.

Cliff Dektar, a spokesman for the station, confirmed that management negotiators had agreed to the terms.