Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/879767
14 SAG-AFTRA | Summer/Fall 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org Broadcast News T he employees of National Public Radio know how to get a message out, whether it's an issue of national importance or when rallying support during challenging contract negotiations. Their savvy and tenacity was on display recently, as they harnessed the power of social media to remind the bosses at NPR — along with the listeners and public at large — of the value they bring to NPR. Over the last few months, the unit's members faced particularly difcult negotiations as they tried to nd common ground with their employer on a new contract. But thanks to an involved and unied unit — and a little help from social media — the members succeeded in achieving a strong contract. The campaign was supported by high-prole members, including John Leguizamo and Holland Taylor, demonstrating the power that members have when they support each other. n balloting conducted uly -, the bargaining unit ratied the contract in a 285-16 vote. The agreement was then approved by the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Board of Directors and the National Executive Committee. "This is a win for NPR, a win for our members and a win for Americans who love quality radio," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "NPR is an extraordinary global news resource and it is our talented journalists working under this agreement who make NPR great. I am thrilled that our members can continue to provide the world-class journalism and entertainment we all value so much." On June 13, NPR employees and fellow SAG-AFTRA members began a social media blitz with the hashtag #WeMakeNPR. It trended on Twitter throughout the day, and NPR listeners joined in to tweet support for their favorite journalists, producers and hosts with the hashtag #ISupportNPR. The campaign echoed the one in 2015, the last time NPR was at the bargaining table. A strong, public display of solidarity helped secure a fair contract for the people who are the driving force behind one of the country's most respected media institutions. Contract highlights include: • Annual increases of 2.5 percent each Jan. 1. • Maintaining minimum salaries to avoid a two-tier pay structure. • Signing bonuses totaling 1.75 percent of base pay. • Parental leave increase from four to six weeks. • Promotions carry with them a minimum raise of 5 percent. • Strong grievance and arbitration system. • Salaried employees to receive comp time at time-and-one-half in lieu of overtime with a cash payout. • Seven-percent annual contributions in the 403(b) plan to remain. NPR Employees Get New Contract Below left, the #WeMakeNPR social media campaign drew attention to NPR employees' struggle. Below, a headline from The Hollywood Reporter. Bottom center, Susan Stamberg, NPR "founding mother" and special correspondent, speaks before sta at NPR's traditional SAG-AFTRA Solidarity Walk. During this event, which is held amid negotiations, members walk throughout NPR headquarters to celebrate unity. Bottom right, Kathleen Rushlow, senior producer of newscasts, shows her support. JACK SPEER X2