Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1433871
42 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org Broadcast News A fter nearly two years of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA members at WHYY in Philadelphia overwhelmingly approved their first-ever union contract. It sets a salary floor, creates a first-ever parental leave benefit and establishes mechanisms for career growth. The WHYY bargaining unit consists of public media professionals who create content for all areas of the station, including radio, television and digital. The unit won its union election 70 to 1 on Oct. 30, 2019, and has been bargaining for a fair contract ever since, aside from a brief pause due to the pandemic. Frustrated by drawn-out negotiations, union members held a rally in July of this year in order to bring attention to their cause, and they gained support on Twitter via the @WHYYunion account and #WeMakeWHYY hashtag. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, "After a long negotiation process, SAG-AFTRA members finally have a solid first agreement with WHYY that implements vital benefits and pay increases. I congratulate our negotiating team as well as our amazing WHYY members on their new contract." "The wage structures we've set up in this contract create a path forward where one never existed before," said shop steward Nina Feldman. "We're proud to guarantee some mobility for our colleagues and future employees alike, ensuring that WHYY can become a sustainable place to build a career." In addition to WHYY, SAG-AFTRA also represents public media professionals at NHPR in Concord, New Hampshire; WAMU in Washington, D.C.; American Public Media, Marketplace; KPCC in Pasadena, California; KPBS in San Diego; WBEZ in Chicago; KUOW in Seattle; Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio The Current and Classical MPR; digital, per diem, temp and Gothamist employees at New York Public Radio; WBUR in Boston; KCRW in Santa Monica, California; and WBGO in Newark, New Jersey. SAG-AFTRA also represents public media professionals at NPR and several other public radio and television stations. Recent organizing efforts have been successful under the leadership of Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro and National Director, Organizing Maggie Russell-Brown, along with organizing staff and news and broadcast staff across the country. SAG-AFTRA Members at WHYY Ratify Contract Morning Edition host Jennifer Lynn speaks at a July rally in front of WHYY headquarters prior to the conclusion of the successful negotiation. CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Five percent-plus wage increase for more than half the unit. • Guaranteed wage increases each year of the contract. • Six weeks of paid parental leave. • Flexible work options. • Guaranteed comp time. • Wage scales and mobility to protect from attrition; equity within job titles.