Union representing Cascade PBS journalists delivers strike pledge

The union representing journalists at Seattle’s Cascade PBS says it is committed to striking if the station continues to “fail to work toward a fair contract,” a news release said.

The release, signed by the Cascade PBS Union, said the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild delivered a strike pledge to station leadership Wednesday in response to the company’s most recent “unfair contract proposal.” The next bargaining session is scheduled for March 12. 

“Cascade PBS and the union have been in negotiations for a new contract since July, and in eight long months the company has yet to demonstrate that it takes our unit members’ concerns seriously,” the release said. “Our dedicated reporters, editors, producers and videographers haven’t had raises since October 2023 and are struggling to pay rent, afford child care and meet other basic needs in one of the most expensive cities in the country.”

The union approved its first contract with the station in 2021 after forming in 2019.   

A response emailed to Current from Cascade PBS Director of Marketing and Communications Don Wilcox said the station is dedicated to negotiating a fair contract. 

“We remain committed to negotiating in good faith at the bargaining table,” the response said. “We are proud of the work our team does and believe that we will come to an agreement with the Guild that reflects fairness and respect.”