Fox O&O's to Pay Hazard Pay (Patreon)

A memo went out to the staff at the Fox O&O’s that basically says that employees covering COVID-19 will start receiving “Hazard Pay” of $75 each day. 

Here is the internal memo that was sent to the staff and obtained by FTVLive: 

To: Essential Employees  
From: FTS CEO Jack Abernethy  
Re: Premium Pay for Essential Employees  
Date: March 25, 2020        

The entire leadership team and I are incredibly appreciative of your efforts as we collectively adjust to the challenges posed by COVID-19. We know that your job function is both necessary for our business operations and must be performed in our station facilities or in the field. The contributions you have made to keep our stations on air are invaluable and we want to thank you for everything you do. We are pleased to share that effective March 16 the Company will be providing essential employees with premium pay of $75 for each day they are assigned to work in the Station or in the field away from their homes. This additional compensation, which will be in effect through at least April 12, is in recognition of your tireless efforts in these extraordinary times.      

If you have any questions about your eligibility for the payment described above, please contact Human Resources.      

More importantly, please know that the health and safety of you and your family continues to be our highest priority. If you have any concerns about your health and safety, please contact your manager or Human Resources.    

Again Sorry I don't have a copy of the letter sent to the Unions.   

The Unions were aware of the pay bump, but told when it was to start, and it started only days after they got the agreement, so members didn't get to see the letter before the announcement of the pay bump.  If I get a copy of the union letter, I'll pass it along. 

A union member tells FTVLive that Fox has attached several stipulations before the union members can get their pay. 

According to a source, Fox wants the union to agree to: 

1. They must give up jurisdiction for the duration of the emergency.  
2. They must abide by a modified arbitration agreement.

One union member tells FTVLive that, "Everyone agrees with the jurisdiction portion, basically allowing Reporters to shoot video off their phones....stuff like that."

According to the union member is the problem with the arbitration agreement and word is that  if the company doesn't agree to the nonbinding agreement, the union or union member can push the issue, and must give up any $75 bump in pay from that point according to our source. 

I'm not sure in these times, anyone wants to give up some extra money. 

Just saying...