Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1054784
Broadcast News T he multi-year grassroots organizing effort that has seen SAG-AFTRA form new bargaining units representing Spanish-language media professionals at Telemundo and the Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) chalked up another victory in September. In an overwhelming vote, the on-air talent at Spanish-language radio station La Ley 107.9 (WLEY-FM) in Chicago announced Sept. 28 they wanted SAG-AFTRA to serve as their exclusive collective bargaining representative. "After their courageous vote, I sent these brave professionals a message saluting their courage. They sent a powerful signal to SBS," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "We remain committed to standing with and supporting Spanish-language media professionals in their fight for fair wages, benefits and workplace respect throughout the industry." La Ley sports commentator Elizabeth Jiménez said the vote has given the unit members a feeling of confidence and respect. "Being a union member gives you strength and makes all the difference," said Jiménez. SBS operates Spanish-language radio stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Puerto Rico and Miami, and owns MEGA TV. In August 2016, 97.9 La Raza (KLAX) and Mega 96.3 (KXOL) in Los Angeles voted overwhelmingly to form a collective bargaining unit represented by SAG-AFTRA. As part of the effort to organize Spanish-language media, SAG-AFTRA recently launched the Siempre Contigo (always with you) campaign. As part of the effort, the union produced digital videos in Spanish and English to educate professionals about the ongoing campaign. Through various media channels, the message tallied up more than 210,000 combined impressions. ANOTHER SBS RADIO STATION VOTES TO JOIN SAG-AFTRA AS ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN CONTINUES From left, La Ley broadcaster Diane Fong, SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, La Ley broadcaster Elizabeth Jiménez and SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Broadcasters, Catherine Brown at the New York office on Oct. 6.