Jamie Partridge

the Committee to Keep KBOO as KBOOOn July 13, 2013 by ChrisWFrom Jamie P.Comrades,
A quick summary of my work in creating and leading the Committee to Keep KBOO as KBOO –http://www.wweek.com/portland/m/article-20884-mobile.html

This Willamette Week article quotes a guest on Meredith R.’s Labor Radio
show.  I am also a Labor Radio host and a KBOO news labor reporter. 
The WW article incorrectly calls our committee the Save KBOO movement
(saveKBOO.org is a website expressing our views generally but run by one
member of our committee, Theresa Mitchell).

In January, I was asked by members of the KBOO staff to respond to
new policies implemented by the board, in particular the change from
“just cause” to “at will” employment.  I was asked because I am the
convener (informal) of the Labor Radio collective (I’ve been around the
longest).  We delivered a statement to the board then put out the word
to pack the next board meeting.  The Old Mole Variety Hour, run by our
socialist-feminist sister organization – Solidarity — showed up in
force.  I was asked by Bill Resnick, leader of Old Mole/Solidarity, to
pull together a meeting to plan a fight against the corporatization of
KBOO.

I have been setting the agendas and chairing twice monthly meetings
of the Committee to Keep KBOO as KBOO.  Through my organizing skills,
including the effective accumulation and mobilization of a 300+ data
base of supporters over several packed board meetings (30 people, then
250 people, 70 + 70 at successive meetings), and an online petition of
300+ signatures, we overwhelmed and divided the corporate elements
(several have since quit) gave the positive board members some backbone,
and got some of our committee members appointed to the board.  The
momentum is clearly on our side and if we continue to focus on
mobilization, we will probably sweep the board elections in September. 
We are in the process of interviewing for a candidate slate.The main lesson here is that with a clear vision of the need for
organization and mobilization, of direct democracy unhindered by board
“rules” and legalisms,  we socialists are able to inspire allegiance. 
KBOO programmers and volunteers are not used to organizing, generally. 
They like to pontificate.  I was able focus the group, help it keep it’s
eyes on the prize and to follow through with tasks & assignments. 
My work as the leader of Keep KBOO as KBOO is almost done, but I will be
looked to for leadership in the future.Solidarity!

Jamie Partridge503-752-5112

On Sun, Jun 23, 2013 at 4:46 PM, Kboo Supporters <keepkbooaskboo@gmail.com> wrote:



On June 20, 2013, KBOO Board
member Hadrian Micciche sent an email to a number of local news outlets,
stating, among other points, that the upcoming Board meeting would address



A
report that KBOO is on track to lossing [sic] its broadcasting license for
failure to have a Community Advisory Board, as the FCC and our By-laws require,
and that this failure of KBOO to follow its By-laws has been reported to the
state’s Attorney Generals [sic] office.

 (for response to other points in that email, please see the post at savekboo.org/2013/06/21/the-corporate-faction-shows-its-hand/)

WE WANT OUR FUTURE BACK

In fact, KBOO had a bright future before these changes were pushed
through.  We had lost some audience for morning public affairs to KPOJ,
which was wiped out by its own top-down corporate management; that
audience is returning.  Our substantial public affairs and journalism
strength continue to draw audience, even in the Internet age.  If we
need to spend funds, it should be on expansion of our Internet and
smartphone presence, not on crushing workers.  The last thing this radio
market needs is an NPR/OPB junior wannabe.


THANKS–BUT NO THANKS

Whereas we at “Keep KBOO as KBOO” respect the desire to find new
and better ways to manage our station, we feel that it is inappropriate
and disastrous to attempt to apply common capitalist business practices
to our unique and (up until now) democratic institution.  KBOO does not
“compete with the business community” in staffing practices–KBOO was
formed to do what its members want, not what the business community
expects.  Our Staff proudly work long hours for minimal wages; they are a
terrific “bargain” in labor output.  Now they are faced with a
demoralizing workplace that looks at them as little better than a
nuisance and a drain.  Is that how we want things to be at KBOO?



IT IS NOT TOO LATE

We, as members, are not left without recourse.  Please consider
signing up to be contacted for a possible Special General Membership
meeting, which would have the power to rescind the terrifically
expensive anti-union push, and restore transparency and participation to
KBOO.  Email us at KeepKboo9@gmail.com with your name, email address and phone number.

Notes from Keep KBOO mtg 4/26/13

    Jamie Partridge     

    Apr 26

    Committee to Keep KBOO as KBOO
    Initial meeting --  Friday, April 26, 2013
    Attendance: Jamie Partridge (chair & notes, 503-752-5112), Joe Crane, Bill Resnick, David Neel, Alan Wieder, Joanie Krag, Dave King, Paul Roland, John Walsh, Clayton Morgareidge, Linda Olson-Osterlund, Per Fagereng, Theresa Mitchell, Bruce Silverman, Michael Morrow, Gene Bradley, Joe Clement, Tom Becker, Robin Hahnel, Jan Haaken, Frann Michel
    1.      What’s happening at KBOO? (see attachments)
    a.       Gene, Theresa, and Bill outlined changes in board policy, revealed at the January meeting, changing from “just cause” to “at will” employment of staff; cutting staff benefits; changing from staff collective to a new Executive Director with direction to change staff assignments and layoff/ fire some staff.  Reasons given for staff shake-up – a financial crisis (manufactured), “too confrontational” programming, and inefficiencies.
    b.      The staff, by 80%, presented cards asking for union recognition.  The E.D. and Board have hired legal assistance to push back, refusing recognition & forcing a National Labor Relations Board election, contesting the bargaining unit size and, according to Joe (CWA union organizer), committing numerous Unfair Labor Practices in the process (policies must freeze when cards are presented – the Board & E.D. threatened lay-offs, changed assignments and pled bankruptcy, ie. ULPs)
    c.       Many at our meeting expressed not only dismay with the way staff are being treated, but the disappearance of transparency and democratic participation in KBOO governance plus the reliance on corporate advisors for policy changes.
    2.      What is to be done?
    a.       We agreed to mobilize for the May 4th Special Membership Meeting (1pm, Tabor Place, 5441 SE Belmont (at 55th), to turnout as many members and non-members (it’s not an “official” members only meeting; rather a forum).  The Executive Director, Lynn Fitch, is expected to present her vision for  “KBOO 2.0 -- The Regeneration”.  We expect to pass out a flyer with our explanation of events and their consequences.  We also expect to have sign-up sheets (outside and inside) for people interested in keeping in touch with the Committee to Keep KBOO as KBOO.
    b.      We agreed to distribute the flyer, with a call to come to the May 4th meeting, at May Day and other progressive events, by email, facebook and other methods.  We could call in to the morning talk shows with info about the May 4th   meeting, expressing our concerns and encouraging listeners to come.
    c.       We agreed to communicate with the Board the costs of fighting the staff unionization and the undemocratic, opaque decision-making – loss of members, loss of listeners.
    d.      We agreed to recruit candidates for three Board positions coming up for election in September (apply by July), including one to be appointed by the Board to fill a current vacancy (contact Marc Brown, board secretary if interested)
    3.      Tasks
    a.       Theresa, Bill and Gene agreed to put together a fact sheet (two-sided?) which could be passed out at the May 4th meeting as well as a one paper summary which could be on one side of a flyer calling people at May Day to come to May 4th.
    b.      Jamie agreed to print the flyer & fact sheet
    c.       Paul agreed to put together sign-up sheets and clipboards for the May 4th meeting (and May Day?)
    d.      Joe said the union will be in touch with other unions and Jobs with Justice for support in the organizing/ bargaining effort
    4.      Next meeting
    a.       Friday, May 10th 6pm, same location – home of Bill Resnick, 1615 SE 35th pl. (s. of Hawthorne)
    [Please reply with additions/ corrections to these notes]