Fired WHUT-TV Worker "Disappointed" by Howard's Lack of Compassion

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Tony Hawkins should be mad. The veteran broadcast technician was one of four WHUT-TV workers summarily fired last month after they rejected a contract offer from management at the Howard University’s public television station. But Hawkins isn’t angry. “I guess I’m disappointed,” the NABET Local 31 member told Union City yesterday as he walked a picket line in front of WHUT-TV under the blazing midday sun. “I’m not quite clear” why four of the station’s six technicians were abruptly fired just before the 4th of July holiday. In more than 30 years at Howard, Hawkins has never seen anything like this. “It’s contrary to the whole spirit of the university, which fosters an attitude of nurturing and cultivating people and families.” As fellow NABET 31 members explained why they were picketing to passing Howard students, Hawkins said “I think it’s the new (station) manager; he’s a little impatient, wants to get things done right away. But there’s no compassion for people. No compassion for families. I didn’t realize they could be so uncompassionate and exhibit such destructive behavior. We can resolve this in a more productive manner.” The local plans more picketing as well as targeting Howard’s Board of Trustees and the Community Advisory Board of WHUT-TV. “If you know any of these people, please reach out to them and urge them to stop the union busting at WHUT-TV,” urges NABET-CWA Local 31. - report/photos by Chris Garlock