AFTRA and WEEK/WHOI Going Back to the Bargaining Table

Posted November 04, 2011

Peoria, Ill.  - The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO - a national union of more than 70,000 broadcast professionals, performers and recording artists - will be returning to the table to bargain with Granite Broadcasting, owners/operators of WEEK/WHOI.

The news comes after a settlement was reached between AFTRA, Granite and the National Labor Relations Board. AFTRA filed unfair labor charges against Granite after negotiations broke down in late March and this settlement was reached as part of those proceedings.

"We look forward to the opportunity to get back to the table and bargain for a fair contract. An equitable negotiation and a fair contract is all we've ever wanted," said AFTRA Peoria Local President Garry Moore.

As part of this settlement, the company will be required to post a notice detailing the particulars of the agreement to employees. Some of the settlement addresses individual issues, but the important development for the AFTRA-represented employees is that Granite must rescind any part of the contract improperly imposed and return to bargain in good faith with AFTRA.

Moore said: "I am very proud of the reporters, anchors, producers and photographers at WEEK/WHOI. They have stood up for themselves and their profession admirably. AFTRA is also grateful to the community for the support shown to us throughout this process. It's unfortunate the NLRB had to be brought into the process to get us back to the table. Moving forward, we're hopeful we'll get a fair contract."

AFTRA Peoria launched a campaign earlier this year to get WEEK/WHOI back to the bargaining table, including taking to social media with videos and a Facebook page. Recently, AFTRA and members of Screen Actors Guild, including actors Jason George ("Grey's Anatomy"), Jenny O'Hara ("Big Love") and SAG First Vice-President Ned Vaughn ("The Event") posted videos in support of their efforts to bargain a fair contract. To view the videos go to: http://www.facebook.com/peoriaaftra.

About AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, broadcasters, singers, dancers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.

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