Providence Station Employees Look to Unionize
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Some of the staff at Standard Media’s WLNE in Providence do not have much faith in management, and they are looking to do something about it.
The employees are looking to unionize, using the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET).
They claim they are calling for a union because of their concerns about understaffing, low and unequal wages, and outdated equipment.
They also say their leadership may be empowering amateur community members to replace the jobs of their photographers in exchange for gift cards.
Meteorologist Kelly Bates is one of the employees who is organizing the effort. The 51-year-old has 28 years of experience in the industry, was named best female meteorologist in Rhode Island Monthly nine times. Yet, she makes just $55,000 annual salary. She says the last time she made that little money was in 1995.
“There have been promises for newer equipment, there have been promises for raises and new staff. But a promise is only as good as it is kept, and words are not going to help our ratings in the market,” says Editor Audrey Hammond. “The level of work that is being asked is near impossible with the tools that we’re working with.”
The station did not comment on the effort publicly.
