SAG-AFTRA today released the following statement:
Today, staff at KPBS public radio and television in San Diego voted to join 165,000 media and entertainment professional in recognizing SAG-AFTRA as their union.
The new bargaining unit will cover 55 public media professionals who produce, report, host, and present content for television, radio, and the internet. This election allows them to move forward to negotiate a first contract.
“KPBS provides a unique and valuable service to the San Diego community,” said Peggy Pico, host of Evening Edition for KPBS. “We look forward to a role in decision-making and to starting our negotiations."
The election was conducted today by the National Labor Relations Board, Region 21.
"We will be standing with you to ensure that your quest for a real voice at work, guaranteed by a binding union contract, is heard and respected" SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard, Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris, Secretary-Treasurer Amy Aquino and National Vice President, Broadcasters Catherine Brown said in a statement to KPBS staff.
KPBS is the second public media station in Southern California to organize with SAG-AFTRA this year. In January, staff of KPCC in Pasadena voted to join SAG-AFTRA. SAG-AFTRA also represents public media professionals at National Public Radio (NPR), KQED in San Francisco, WNYC in New York, and other stations.