LOCAL AFL-CIO SPEAKS OUT AGAINST BET PRESIDENT JOHNSON

     The Washington, DC, chapter of the AFL-CIO "dismissed" a
plan by BET President Bob Johnson to build a privately funded
sports arena, "citing the executive's labor practices" and lack
of commitment from a pro franchise.  Johnson will announce
details of his plan today to build a $170M multi-use arena in the
District.  The group said that employees of Mr. Johnson who
"tried to organize a union or work for better pay and improved
working conditions were harassed, treated improperly or even
fired."  Joseph Westbrook, a technical director at BET, said he
didn't think Johnson had the ability to build an arena, adding
"he does not have the labor relations.  Our working conditions
are not the best" (Matt Neufeld, WASHINGTON TIMES, 10/13).