Organizing Update

NYC Locations Department Workers Join CWA Local 1101

This month, a majority of locations department workers in film and episodic TV shoots around New York City have joined CWA Local 1101. They have decided not to go to the labor board – but instead simply declare that they are a union, and act like one, including paying voluntary dues each and every month.

The grassroots organization of locations department personnel launched in March 2013 to pool resources and share experiences within the profession. More than 200 freelance location workers find sets for just about everything shot in New York City, from Law & Order to Girls. They work for CBS, Time Warner, HBO, Netflix and more. Yet unlike their counterparts in Chicago and Los Angeles, they didn't have union representation.

Workers in film and episodic TV shoots around New York City celebrate joining CWA Local 1101.

They set up a meeting with CWA in May and soon after formed the alliance. "You couldn't ask for a more vibrant bunch," CWA Local 1101 Organizer Ken Spatta said.

Activists are distributing CWA t-shirts and lanyards for people to wear on set, and they're now in the process of collecting authorization cards.

"Because we don't have a contract, the management of some shows try to take advantage of us," said Carinne Fassari, a locations worker and member of the executive board. "That frustration made us decide to do this. We're really enjoying being part of CWA. The union welcomed us with open arms and has been so supportive."

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The Guardian US Writers Vote Unanimously to Join the NewsMedia Guild, TNG-CWA

Writers and staff members of The Guardian US – an online cousin of the British newspaper – announced yesterday they have voted unanimously to join TNG-CWA Local 31222. The expedited election was agreed to by The Guardian's management and staff; 45 staffers participated in the election.

"This is a big day not only for the writers and staff members at The Guardian US but for the news industry as a whole. Digital media is growing up, and it's time our digital reporters received the same benefits and protections as their print media colleagues," said Bernard Lunzer, President of The NewsGuild-CWA.

The Guardian US writers and management released a joint statement announcing the vote:

"We are proud to announce that the editorial staff of Guardian US voted unanimously in favor of collective representation under the auspices of the News Media Guild, following a ballot which was conducted independently by the American Arbitration Association. The union has been voluntarily recognized by Guardian News & Media LLC following the result of that ballot."

The announcement is the latest in a series of organizing victories for digital news reporters.

Read more about the victory here.

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Arizona's Cricket Retail Workers Join CWA

Arizona's 105 Cricket Retail workers now will have CWA representation, with a big majority showing support for a CWA voice, District 7 Administrative Director Al Kogler said.

The Cricket workers will be represented by CWA Locals 7019 and 7026. Local 7026 Secretary Treasurer Cecilia Valdez and Local 7019 Area Vice President John Seeley helped in the organizing effort.