In the first of two union-related stories, Cumulus San Francisco VP/Market Manager Justin Wittmayer denied allegations from some KNBR employees who claim management is either not agreeing to pay raises or offering only small increases. He said in a statement that the company wouldn’t normally comment on union negotiations, however the broadcaster wants its partners, clients, city officials and employees to know the statements are false.
During the last discussion, Cumulus offered increases of between 3% to 16.3% and offered paid vacations to part-timers, according to Wittmayer.
In July at a rally organized by union negotiators, KNBR staffers said they want a minimum of $17 an hour and Cumulus countered with an offer of $13, reported SFGate.com.
“Unfortunately the union responded with wildly unreasonable demands,” including demands for wage increases as high as 145% and time off proposals that are “completely unworkable,” stated Wittmayer, who adds KNBR has been waiting since February for the next SAG-AFTRA offer.
In Los Angeles, on-air talent at Spanish Broadcasting System-owned FMs KXOL and KLAX voted to have SAG-AFTRA as their union rep. The new bargaining unit is comprised of 28 employees.
