ABC news writers reach tentative deal

ABC news writers reach tentative deal
CBC News

After nearly three years of working under an expired contract, 250 ABC News writers have reached a tentative agreement with the network, their union announced on Thursday.

The writers, based in New York and Washington, will vote on the deal on Dec. 13, according to a statement from the Writers Guild of America East.

The preliminary agreement includes a raise of 3.5 per cent annually plus a $3,700 US contract bonus. However, the union agreed to reductions in other areas of compensation, including lower shift differential pay.

If approved, the new contract will last through Feb. 1, 2010.

Union officials said they expected the members to ratify the agreement.

The Writers Guild of America also represents approximately 500 CBS News writers, editors and producers based in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington.