WBAI won't air its own labor troubles New York Daily News by David Hinkley Staff
Writer July 24, 1996
Hosts and producers at WBAI (99.5 FM) long the most outspoken,
cause-oriented group on New York radio, say they've hit a wall:
station policy that prohibits them from mentioning on the air
that they're in the midst of a bitter labor dispute they warn
could change the face of the station.
WBAI's parent Pacifica Foundation goes before the National Labor
Relations Board in New York today to asked that unpaid staff be
removed from union coverage. Since most WBAI programs are hosted
and produced by volunteers, union workers say that would
eliminate 90% of the bargaining unit (the United Electrical,
Radio and Machine Workers of America).
Pacifica argues that contracts should focus primarily on paid
employes (sic). The union says union membership gives unpaid
workers protection from summary dismissals, which the union
fears could change and dilute WBAI programming.
Pacifica disputes that, but does say that in an era of sharply
diminished federal funding, it needs maximum flexibility to run
single programs on all five of its stations. That reduces costs
and is more likely to attract underwriting from
foundations."
Join us in discussion on-line - subscribe to the
FreePacifica maiG
SRC="gifs/freespech.gif"
ALT="[Blue Ribbon]" ALIGN=LEFT>
Please support the Blue Ribbon Campaign for Free Speech on the
Net, led by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
To Free Pacifica's home page