Talkback
WWW.MULTICHANNEL.COM
By Multichannel News Staff -- Multichannel News, 6/8/2009 2:00:00 AM
DirecTV Technician Airs His Grievances
(RE: “Straight Talk from Liberty Media Chairman John Malone,” June 2) Malone is a satellite mogul, no doubt about that. I was at the shareholders' meeting today, where myself and other co-workers raised questions about the way we, the technicians, are being treated, paid, underpaid and bargained with in less than good faith by his contractor, Multiband (see “Through the Wire,” page 6).
As we expected, he sidestepped every question and showed his true colors: a greedy or wealthy old man who does not care how the money is made as long as he is the one making it. He talked about the technicians being the face of DirecTV. Let me pose one question to you: Do you want someone coming to your home to install equipment that you know nothing about, when this technician worked 55 hours the week before and received a paycheck for $400, or catches the company paying $4.50 an hour for overtime if he is paid for it at all? My answer is no!
I want someone to come out to my house who is willing to go that extra little bit to make me happy and do a quality job. You just can't expect that from someone who isn't paid properly and frankly is not appreciated.
Jeremy MonroeTechnician, Leicester, Mass.
An Idea for The 101: Coming Attractions
(RE: DirecTV 101's Fresh Look,” June 1) I understand why The 101 doesn't want to get into the new-development business but it would be great if they could feature the “upfronts” each year.
Let's face it, network executives have certainly stumbled in the past when selecting shows. Wouldn't it be great if The 101 viewers could become a national test audience!
Troy Truax Phoenix
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