AFTRA Peoria Local Back at the Bargaining Table

Posted February 20, 2012

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 20, 2012) -- Contract talks between the Peoria Local of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the management of WEEK/WHOI, Granite Broadcasting/Silverpoint Capital, are scheduled to return to the bargaining table on Feb. 21-23.
This latest negotiations session marks the third time both sides have met since Granite was prompted by a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling to return to the bargaining table.

"We remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached," said AFTRA Peoria President Garry Moore.

At issue is Granite’s proposal to outsource work done by broadcasters at WEEK/WHOI. The ongoing dispute has drawn large local support for the broadcasters, including community rallies.
In November 2011, the NLRB settled a charge by AFTRA alleging Granite engaged in unfair labor practices. The settlement prompted the station to agree to a resumption of contract talks.

"We've made progress on a few items, but we've yet to agree on some big items, like wages and jurisdiction," said Moore. 

While some longtime Union members have left the station over the course of the dispute, Moore says remaining and new members are "in solidarity" in their efforts to get a fair contract.

Local contact: JD Miller, AFTRA, jmiller@aftra.com.

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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