Freelance broadcast technicians employed by Fox Sports Net New York today ratified their first collective bargaining agreement by a near unanimous vote of 60 yes, 2 no.

The ratification vote followed a representation election victory by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees which took place on June 25, 2002. Employees covered by the new agreement include Technical Directors, Audio Technicians, Camera Operators, Tape Operators, Videotape Technicians, Graphics Operators, and Utility Technicians involved in the broadcast of live sports events in the New York Metropolitan Area.

In addition to wage increases throughout its 42 month term, the new contract provides for employer paid health, annuity and pension benefits as well as the improvement of conditions related to holidays, short turnaround, and cancellation of calls.

International President Short commented “The overwhelming endorsement of this contract by the freelance technicians validates the years these workers spent in organizing and the eighteen months of negotiations. It, once again, confirms what can be accomplished when workers are prepared to stick together for the long haul in order to obtain the kind of workplace fairness necessary for the security of themselves and their families.”