True, Beck protects from having to give hard earned dues money to the political arm of the unions. Most unions tend to back off and not even require membership the moment you suggest you'll invoke Beck Rights

Isn't Beck the same thing as financial core? Basically, the union may only charge you for the amount necessary to represent you before your employer such as collective bargaining, administration or grievance proceedings. You can request that your dues not be used for other things, like political contributions. But you will still have to pay some dues. Unless it's a right to work state.

[quote="Mike Cumbo"]The individual I am talking about isn't one of the regular local sports freelancers. Local sports is not his primary job, studio stuff is right now. He still gets calls from the crewers when they need his skills. He still does network stuff as well. I believe his rate requests tend to keep him from getting more calls.[/quote] So charge a higher rate for the freelance work and don't pay union dues? Sounds as if he's got it down.

The individual I am talking about isn't one of the regular local sports freelancers. Local sports is not his primary job, studio stuff is right now. He still gets calls from the crewers when they need his skills. He still does network stuff as well. I believe his rate requests tend to keep him from getting more calls.

Yeah but was he hired again?

I think one of the people in our market did that. I also think this person has done the same with the networks in the past.

[quote="Lou Delgresiano"]You can always suggest that you may invoke your "Beck Rights," and watch that purported "requirement," to join the union go bye-bye.[/quote] Has anyone actually done this?

They'll cry about how much more the rate you're asking for is than the "standard" rate they pay their C game TD's, but it's all bullshit. If they really want you, and you stand your ground, they'll pay your rate. You may have to go through a couple of 20-minute phone calls and go up a level or two as far as the CBS employee that you're negotiating with, but it's worth it in the end. And if you're about to ask whether I speak from experience; yes, I do. I'll even tell you that after one such conversation I was told, "Well, I can pay you that much this time, but if you're sticking with that rate I can't use you in the future." To which I said "That's fine".... and got called the next football season to work more CBS football. At my new rate. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is how all the rate negotiations are at any major sports department.

I did a few games for CBS a few years ago and was also to scheduled to do some last year. The shows are pretty basic nothing too fancy in the way of effects - the standard fair. As far is how busy are the shows, the are no more busy than any other NFL game. Rates for TD's are always negotiable although you might not get what you expect especially if your on the C games. That is always negotiable to a point and you have the figure out if it's worth it to you after you talk to them and how much you can push them for... so I'm in agreement with Lou on this one. Good luck with your decision.

You can always suggest that you may invoke your "Beck Rights," and watch that purported "requirement," to join the union go bye-bye. Seriously, what good are unions for good TDs? We write our own ticket, declare our own rates, and there's no sense having a tape room decide what we make.

Last year was my 1st year with CBS. I did college and NFL. NFL is easier than college (depending on what level game you're on). The main difference is that college has a ton of sponsors, so there are more effects. I never worked A or B NFL for them, so maybe its the same on those level games. As far as effects... there's about 30?.ish. Not too crazy. Really there's nothing that will break ur back. The crews.....are... union. So, some are good, some are bad. To me, that's the only bad part. You've gotta be in the union. A waste of money as far as I'm concerned. But, Steve!... aren't u gonna be busy with Kimbo?