KBOO staff votes to join Communications Workers union Created on Friday, 31 May 2013 10:00 | Written by Steve Law | Print
Employees of KBOO Community Radio have officially voted to be represented by the Communications Workers of America Local 7901.
In a secret ballot vote conducted May 30, the nonprofit radio station’s staff voted 8-0, with an additional vote voided, to join the union, according to the National Labor Relations Board in Portland, which conducted the voting.
KBOO management has seven days to file objections. If there are no objections, the union election will be certified by the NLRB, and the union can commence collective bargaining with station management on a labor contract.
The station, at 90.7 FM, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, while experiencing financial difficulties.
Several KBOO staff approached the Communications Workers of America about unionizing after station manager Lynn Fitch cut employee benefits and discussed the prospect of laying off the entire staff and requiring people to reapply for jobs.
Fitch, who initially opposed the union drive, has since promised to work with the union.
The station’s board of directors is scheduled to discuss the vote at a meeting on June 3.