FTVLive was the FIRST to tell you that WCAU Photographers and Technicians walked off the job yesterday and went on strike against the station.

About 65 Photogs and Techs went on strike Thursday afternoon, hours after a giant inflatable rat was put up outside the station.

With the Pope on his way to Philly, the strike could not come at a worse time and that is exactly why the union picked now to walk off the job.

"While it is unfortunate that IBEW Loal 98 has decided to engage in a job action, we remain committed to ensuring this has no impact on our broadcast," an NBC10 spokeswoman said in a statement late Thursday.

Too late for that, the walkout was noticed on air when WCAU aired a long 10 minute break before the 5PM newscast, came back with a taped report and then went on another 5+ minutes of commercials.

As FTVLive FIRST reported, WCAU has brought in non-union Photographers from other markets to try and hold done the fort while the regulars are on strike.

Word is the station is acting fast to try and make peace with the union and bring their employees back on the job.

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to achieve a mutual resolution of our outstanding issues with the union," the station said.

If they need some divine intervention....the Pope will be in Philly tomorrow.