PITTSBURGH (January 4, 2005) An anti-union minority led by morning anchor Bob Bruce failed yesterday in their attempt to defeat the union shop provisions of the WPXI contract. In a vote conducted by the Labor Board, the group fell short in its efforts to gut the union security provisions of the station's collective bargaining agreement.

In an unusual move, Bruce, whose contract makes him one of the highest-paid anchors in the city, tried to convince his colleagues that union membership was not necessary, even though contract benefits and representation would continue to be applied to everyone. The unit disagreed, rejecting any effort to erode AFTRA's bargaining power. The union shop remains intact.

Despite his illness, shop steward Dee Thompson was able to help organize the majority's efforts. Thanks also to David Johnson, Darieth Chisholm, Kevin Benson and all the staff members at WPXI who helped AFTRA Pittsburgh Executive Director John Haer in this successful defense against a union-busting few.