High-Tech CWA/NETT Training Makes for Smooth Transition at Univision

For 18 NABET-CWA members at Univision's affiliate in Los Angeles, CWA/NETT training meant they didn't have to sweat the transition when the latest equipment in the ever-changing world of video technology arrived at their station.

Video editors and photographers, now tasked with editing duties in remote trucks, got three days of free, top-quality, hands-on instruction through the CWA/NETT Academy in April. Univision, recognizing the huge benefit CWA was offering, let workers take the course on company time and provided space for the mobile Final Cut Pro lab.

"They were very happy to see that we were taking a pro-active approach to a situation that they created by deciding to switch equipment," said Salvador Solorio, a career video editor and unit chair for NABET-CWA Local 59053. "The company recognized that this was a gift and instead of them having to pay for training, they agreed to pay employees for eight-hour shifts for three days."

The 18 Univision employees are among hundreds of NABET-CWA and TNG-CWA members who have taken advantage of CWA/NETT's video training from coast to coast. Made possible by CWA's Strategic Industry Fund, the training helps members stay a step ahead of new technology, boosting their job security and making them good candidates for promotion.

Solorio said his coworkers had high praise for the training and instructor Jim Tallulo. "The overall experience was great," he said. "All the attendees were very, very happy and impressed with Jim's knowledge and teaching ability. In fact, some of people in non-union jobs at the station could see what a success it was, and they were asking how they could sign up."