On Tuesday December 17, 1996, starting at noon Paid and Unpaid Staff from
WBAI-FM will hold an informational picket line outside 505 8th Ave., site of the
progressive radio station's offices and studios.
The workers will be demanding that WBAI Management allow health insurance
coverage of its workers who work less than full time. WBAI Management has been
purposely hiring for jobs that are just under the minimum that the station's health
insurance carrier will cover. This tactic saves Management money, but leaves many
WBAI workers among the millions of Americans who are without health insurance.
The second demand is for a fair and equitable Contract. WBAI Management has
been stalling Contract negotiations, which have been ongoing since March. WBAI's workers
are represented by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE)
Local 404. UE Local 404 has filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against WBAI
Management over their refusal to bargain in good faith on this Contract.
The third demand raised by this informational picket line is that WBAI
Management cease its attempts to remove 90% of the current Collective Bargaining Unit
from Union protection. This issue is also currently before the National Labor Relations
Board and is due for a decision at any time.
Designated Union spokespersons will be available to the press during this action.
