Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/716514
SAGAFTRA.org | Summer 2016 | SAG-AFTRA 17 BROADCAST STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS T here was a lot to talk about at the Broadcast Steering Committee meeting in New York City on June 25. The highlight of the gathering was the good news that Minnesota Public Radio employees voted to go union. The new bargaining unit includes both on and off-air employees who produce content for MPR. This election allows them to move forward to negotiate a first contract. BSC members also heard a report from SAG-AFTRA staff about ongoing negotiations across the country where technological change and new media platforms continue to be the focus of member concern. Member leaders and staff continue to work through labor management committees and through the grievance and arbitration process to settle matters related to social media, workload, disciplinary concerns, layoffs and terminations. Members of the BSC also received a report on and discussed the Fair Play Fair Pay Act, legislation that creates a performance right for music artists. Staff reported provisions of personal service contracts continue to change to create less favorable working conditions for members, specifically term agreements for lower-paid employees, which can prevent an employee from seeking other SPANISH-LANGUAGE BROADCASTERS ORGANIZE O n-air talent at Los Angeles radio stations KLAX "La Raza" and KXOL "La Mega" voted Aug. 1 in favor of having SAG-AFTRA serve as their exclusive collective bargaining representative. The new bargaining unit will be made up of 28 employees performing on-air services, including hosts, announcers, mixers, DJs, and other on-air services for the stations. Both stations are owned by Spanish Broadcasting System, a media corporation that operates Spanish-language radio stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Puerto Rico, Houston and Miami, and owns La Mega TV. SAG-AFTRA represents Spanish-speaking broadcasters and journalists across the country, including Univision in Los Angeles (KMEX), New York (WXTV and Radio WADO) and San Francisco (KDTV), and Telemundo in New York (WNJU/ TV), Philadelphia (WUSI/TV) and Chicago (WSNS/TV). The successful vote is the latest milestone in SAG-AFTRA's campaign to organize the Spanish-language media industries. Under the hashtag #SAGAFTRAUNIDOS, the union has been working with many of those employed by Spanish- language radio and television to advocate for fair treatment and improved working conditions. Continues on page 44 Did you know that for every $1 spent on American-made goods, an additional $1.32 is invested in the U.S. economy? Union-made products are better quality products and they support companies that provide good jobs for working people right here in the United States. Buying union is an easy choice, but it does take extra time to check the label. Take the pledge to take the extra effort. Because having each other's back is what being a union member is all about. UnionPlus.org/UnionPledge Text PLEDGE to 22555 * TAKE THE PLEDGE TODAY! * Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. Reply HELP or contact info@unionplus.org for help. Expect no more than 2msgs/mo. PLEDGE TO BUY UNION-MADE IN THE USA