Community Delegation Supports WTAE On-Air Staff

WTAE-TV anchors and reporters, seeking a first labor agreement, will receive a boost from local faith, labor and political leaders on Thursday when supporters gather to demand fair treatment from Hearst Television, owner of the station.

After convening at nearby St. James Church, supporters will caravan to WTAE headquarters to deliver nearly 2,000 postcards and petition signatures from viewers in support of on-air staff at the Station.

When: Thursday January 26, 11 a.m.
Where: 11 a.m. Gathering/Presentations at St. James Church 718 Franklin Ave, Wilkinsburg
11:45 Car Caravan to WTAE Studio, 400 Ardmore Blvd.
12:15 Delegation Presents Support Signatures to WTAE Management
12:30 Report back from Delegation to Union Supporters outside WTAE facility

The signatures/petitions will be delivered by a delegation including Allegheny County Labor Council President Jack Shea; State Senator Jim Ferlo; State Rep, Joe Preston; Joyce Rothermel, from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (retired): Fr. Jack O’Malley; Marty O’Malley, Mayor of Forest Hills; Fred Redmond, VP of United Steelworkers; and Rev. John Welch from PA Interfaith Impact Network.

The on-air staff voted for union (AFTRA) representation more than 18 months ago, but there has been little progress in negotiations with Hearst Television.

AFTRA is seeking limits on arbitrary management changes in scheduling and working conditions. A social media campaign “Fairness for WTAE” has called attention to examples of unfair treatment and an online petition has garnered more than 600 signatures from the public supporting WTAE staff.

The WTAE anchors and reporters are represented by AFTRA, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO.