Broadcasters at WGCI AM/FM will file petition

(PRWEB) May 15, 2004--The professional broadcasters at WGCI AM/FM will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Thursday requesting that a election be held for Union representation of these broadcasters by the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists. (AFTRA)

A significant majority of the broadcasters employed at WGCI AM/FM have designated AFTRA as the representative for their collective bargaining unit.

“AFTRA will be honored to represent these dedicated professionals. WGCI AM/FM are two of the most successful radio outlets in Chicago and are among the top billing stations in the market. WGCI-FM is consistently Chicago’s number 1 ranked station, and it is time that the broadcasters share in the success of these stations,� said Eileen Willenborg, Executive Director of the Chicago Local of AFTRA. “Today, we ask that Clear Channel, which owns both stations, recognize the wishes of their on-air talent.�

Clear Channel can voluntarily recognize a union as the exclusive bargaining representative based upon a showing that a majority of employees have designated the union to be the exclusive bargaining representative. Clear Channel can grant recognition to the union immediately.

In a letter delivered today to John Gehron, Regional Vice President, AFTRA told WGCI AM/FM management that the union is prepared to have the authorization cards independently verified by a neutral third party agreed to by each.

This review process can take place immediately and would confirm for Clear Channel that a majority of its broadcasters want representation by AFTRA. This verification process would allow the two parties to begin negotiations without the distraction of an NLRB election.

Clear Channel owns seven stations in the Chicago market, including WNUA and WVAZ where on-air talent is already represented by AFTRA.

AFTRA is a diverse national union representing 80,000 actors, broadcasters, recording artists and others who work in television, radio, commercials, news, music and new media.