SAG-AFTRA Members From WFSB-TV In Connecticut Make Case For Fair Wages

NEW YORK (November 17, 2017) – A group of SAG-AFTRA members working for WFSB-TV testified this week before the Connecticut Low Wage Employer Advisory Board in Hartford about the challenges of living on substandard wages.

Last spring producers and associate producers for the Rocky Hill, Conn.-based station, which is owned by Meredith Corporation, voted overwhelmingly to join SAG-AFTRA. Forty percent of that group currently earn less than $14 per hour.

The members on Wednesday testified to the Advisory Board that they pride themselves on their work, but feel disheartened by the low value Meredith Corporation feels they are worth. Meredith’s management team have gone so far as to threaten to walk away from the table and refused to listen to the personal stories submitted by the members on how difficult it is to live in Connecticut on the substandard wages paid by Des Moines-based company.

“SAG-AFTRA producers and associate producers are an integral part of the team that has made this station a market leader for many years,” said Mary Cavallaro, chief broadcast officer, SAG-AFTRA. “It’s time for employers like Meredith to recognize the professionalism and dedication of our members at WFSB-TV with a fair contract.”

Wednesday’s testimony is part of a broader campaign by SAG-AFTRA to highlight the plight of media professionals working in increasingly competitive markets for below-standard wages.