A union that represents broadcast journalists, announcers, and others has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge after New York Public Radio fired 14 people amid cost-saving measures.
SAG-AFTRA called the move an “aggressive campaign to undermine union and protected and concerted activity.”
The move by New York Public Media cost several members of its news staff their jobs. BNM reported three weeks ago that WNYC Supervising Senior Producer Richard Yeh, Gothamist Editor-in-Chief John Del Signore, Greene Space Assistant Production Manager Allie Pinel and Gothamist City Editor Christopher Robbins, were all let go following the decision.
“SAG-AFTRA and New York Public Radio had a collaborative relationship for more than 20 years,” union President Gabrielle Carteris said in a release. “We have worked to ensure a culture where our members can work zealously while being protected under a fair agreement. I am shocked by the reprehensible decision of NYPR’s management to terminate our members and other dedicated staff. We stand with all of them and will continue to fight for those who have been silenced.”
The union is asking for New York Public Radio CEO/President Goli Sheikholeslami to immediately reinstate terminated employees irrespective of union member status.
“These decisions were not made lightly or with haste,” an memo said. “We have done everything we can to avoid taking these steps. But we need to reverse the deficit, return the organization to health and sustainability, and position ourselves for future growth.”
