Stars honor pickets
NABET seeks labor board ban on ABC lockout
NABET, which staged a surprise one-day walkout against the web on Monday, is also accusing ABC of not providing the union with sufficient information about parent company Disney's health plan.
Meanwhile, ABC was struggling to maintain normal operations in the absence of about 2,000 of its most able hands. After an Election Day marred by technical glitches and run-ins with political campaigns honoring a boycott request from NABET, producers at "Good Morning America" decided to postpone next week's trip to California, from where they had planned to broadcast the show for five days.
The change means the net will have to scramble to fill the two-hour show every morning from its New York studios, which are being picketed by the union.
Turning back
Comedian Adam Sandler gave an indication of the difficulties "GMA" might face next week when he turned up to appear on Wednesday's show to promote his new film, "The Waterboy." Seeing the picket lines outside, and urged not to cross them by the union workers standing there, Sandler turned on his heel and left. The network confirmed his departure.
Tony Bennett, set to appear on "The View," also honored the picket line, according to NABET spokesman Tom Donahue.
Members of the union, including camera operators, editors and producers, have been fighting with ABC over a contract since the last one expired in March 1997.
Advance warning
ABC responded to Monday's strike by locking out the workers until they promise to provide advance warning of future job actions.
NABET's parent union, the Communications Workers of America, urged politicians not to speak with reporters from ABC or its affiliates on election night, and many Democrats responded. ABC anchor Peter Jennings had to explain on the air why so few Democrats were being interviewed.
ABC's election coverage was plagued by technical problems, including inconsistent audio levels and cameras not moving fast enough. New York police said a power line was cut to an ABC truck outside the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where victorious Democratic Senate candidate Charles Schumer had his headquarters.
Still, ABC spokeswoman Julie Hoover said, "We're very proud of the job our people are doing."
