The content creators at Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB) have announced their intention to form a union with SAG-AFTRA. A majority of the NWPB team, including hosts, reporters, videographers, social media producers, and editors, signed the petition for unionization.
“The media professionals at Northwest Public Broadcasting are essential voices in the communities of the Pacific Northwest, and their decision to unionize reflects a deep commitment to both their craft and their audience,” stated Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator. “We’re proud to stand with these dedicated individuals as they take this important step toward securing a stronger, more supportive workplace.”
NWPB has increased its local coverage over recent years by adding more staff to cover topics important to audiences in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of British Columbia.
In their petition delivered on July 21, the organizing committee expressed pride in serving rural communities despite challenges faced by public broadcasters nationwide. They wrote: “It has been a challenging year for public broadcasters across the country. We are proud that, as journalists and content creators for Northwest Public Broadcasting, we have continued to serve our rural communities in new and exciting ways.”
They further stated: “By officially becoming a bargaining unit, we hope to strengthen our workplace culture and ensure that everyone who works at NWPB receives necessary support and protection to improve the work we do for our regional audience.”
NWPB is joining other public media outlets nationwide that have unionized with SAG-AFTRA. These include NPR member stations across the country as well as WFAE, WETA NewsHour, WESA KPCC KUOW OPB MPR NHPR WAMU WBEZ WBUR WHYY and WNYC.
SAG-AFTRA represents around 160,000 professionals in various entertainment fields. The organization is affiliated with AFL-CIO and has offices across Los Angeles and New York.
