System/Policy
WHQR staffers announce intent to unionize
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The staffers at the public radio station said in a statement that they aim to create “a better, healthier and more transparent workplace.”
Current (https://current.org/tag/unions/page/2/)
The staffers at the public radio station said in a statement that they aim to create “a better, healthier and more transparent workplace.”
“Once recognized, we look forward to negotiating with management to ensure all eligible members are in-unit,” the employees said.
The proposed unit would include 42 employees in both on-air and off-air roles.
Content staffers announced last month their intention to unionize.
The staffers voted 26-1 in favor of forming the union.
More than 70% of the station’s content staffers have signed onto a petition to management.
The proposed bargaining unit would include approximately 26 content employees.
The contract was ratified nearly two years after WAMU employees voted to form a union.
The members say that raises and a stipend given to nonunion employees are among the issues at stake.
“We wish we could have got a lot more,” said Local 1220 Business Manager John Rizzo. “This was the best deal we could attain with the company. And it’s a fair deal.”
A WTTW spokesperson said the station is ready to return to negotiations and has not received a request to do so.
NPR’s SAG-AFTRA union issued a mixed progress report this month on its demands for addressing diversity issues within the network.
The settlement includes a wage increase and “enhancements to NYPR’s parental leave policy.”
The contract includes protections for parents, improved pay and new anti-harassment rules.
Unit members overwhelmingly approved the three-year deal.
The contract comes after nearly two years of negotiations.
Newsroom employees cited concerns with wages, vacation days and staffers leaving the organization.
The bargaining unit includes content staffers such as reporters and hosts.
A closer look at some highlights from the data.
The staffers are seeking voluntary recognition of their union from CEO Jim Schachter.