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Unionized workers at WNYT/Channel 13 will hold a rally Nov. 18, on the eve of contract negotiations with the Albany, N.Y., NBC station.

The 90 workers, who are members of Local 21 of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians - Communications Workers of America, have been working without a contract since Oct. 1. The union voted to authorize a strike if necessary but the workers, including on-air people, have remained on the job.

The Nov. 19 talks will be the first attempt at an agreement since the contract expired.

The union said it is unhappy with some of management's proposals, including one that would allow the station to lay off people without regard to seniority and one to eliminate a life insurance benefit.

The workers are expected to be joined at the noon rally by family, friends and some political leaders, including Senator Neil Breslin (D-Albany), Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari (D-Cohoes), Assemblyman Jack McEneny (D-Albany), Assemblyman Tim Gordon (I-Bethlehem), and Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.

Steve Baboulis, general manager of WNYT, declined comment.

Red Cross issues a warning

ALBANY - There have been nine fires in the past six days in the Capital Region. The Red Cross is swamped and they're asking you for help.

Five of those nine fires happened on Friday. Not only is it a lot of work for fire fighters in bitter cold temperatures, but the Red Cross steps up to help after the fire is put out.

They stress for people to please be careful during the holiday season with candles, space heaters, fires in fire places and ovens. The Red Cross is the only organization to help people after a fire with food, shelter, clothing and medication.

The sharp increase in home heating fires the red cross has assisted over fifty people in the last few days alone and we've expended over $10, 000 in our local disaster relief fund, so we're asking the public especially around this time of year when many people give a charitable donation to think of the red cross,?said Christine Powers from the American Red Cross.

You can make a donation to the Red Cross on their website.