WFMT Content Creators Announce Intent to Unionize with SAG-AFTRA

The content creators at WFMT, Chicago’s internationally renowned classical radio station, have announced their intent to organize with SAG-AFTRA, the union representing professionals in the entertainment and media industries. The group is requesting voluntary recognition from WFMT management to begin the collective bargaining process.

“We are proud to work at such a historic broadcaster delivering world-class classical music and arts programming,” said the WFMT organizing committee. “Our collective goal is to build a sustainable future for both employees and the station’s audiences worldwide.”

“We are passionate about our work and are committed to WFMT’s mission, but the current environment has left many of us feeling undervalued, overworked, and voiceless,” said the committee. “We believe in WFMT’s potential to thrive in the 21st century, but this requires empowering the people who bring the station’s programming to life. By joining SAG-AFTRA, we aim to create an environment where employees feel supported and valued. We plan to ensure that WFMT can continue its mission as a global leader in classical music and arts broadcasting, and in order to do that, we need a seat at the table.”

WFMT organizers cite ongoing challenges at the station going back several years and firmly believe that remedies are possible only through collective bargaining with management.

“When workers have a voice, the passion they bring to their jobs creates a more devoted, dynamic work force. I am hopeful that WFMT’s management understands that voluntarily recognizing the union is a win-win. I believe that everyone at WFMT, both management and employees, want the station to be extraordinary, and this is a golden opportunity to work together to achieve that,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. 

Voluntary recognition of the unit would enable management and employees to move forward collaboratively, avoiding the need for a protracted election process through the National Labor Relations Board.

“We truly love WFMT and want to ensure its continued success.” the organizers said. “We look forward to working with management to build a station that thrives for years to come.”

WFMT, part of Window to the World Communications Inc., has a long history as one of the leading classical music stations in the United States. Its programming reaches audiences in Chicago and worldwide, featuring live performances, curated playlists and arts journalism.

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.