The contract could impact Skydance’s acquisition of CBS News’ parent company, Paramount Global, as job protection is a regulatory consideration. The CBS News bargaining unit, which includes various roles across major U.S. cities, has secured a contract that reflects their value, according to WGAE VP Beth Godvik. The deal comes amid Paramount's workforce downsizing and Skydance's pledge to invest in the company, particularly its streaming operations.
Key takeaways:
- The Writers Guild of America East and West members at CBS News have ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement that includes AI protections, guaranteed raises, and improved benefits.
- The contract includes a 3% wage increase to all pay minimums each year, with even greater increases for entry-level positions, and additional increases for per diem employees.
- Protections against generative AI include advance notice before implementation and guaranteed 1.5x severance for layoffs due to AI.
- The new contract may impact Skydance's acquisition of CBS News' parent company Paramount Global, as it includes job protection measures that regulators consider during mergers.