PHILADELPHIA >> Camera operators and photographers are among the union members who’ve gone on strike at a Philadelphia television station just days before one of the year’s biggest news events, Pope Francis’ visit.

Philly.com reports that members of IBEW Local 98 walked off the job Thursday at WCAU-TV, an NBC affiliate.

The station says in a statement that it’s “unfortunate that IBEW Local 98 has decided to engage in a job action” but says viewers will continue to have access to its local news and information.

A union representative says contract talks fell apart Thursday. The local’s assistant business manager James Foy says negotiations continued for more than a year after the contract expired. He declined to say how many workers are on strike.

Francis visits Philadelphia Saturday and Sunday.