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Entrenched "Save KPFA" Crew To Picket Pacifica-KPFA on 11/4/2010
The entrenched "Save KPFA" crew is organizing a picket to supposedly stop the layoffs. They are opposed to laying off union staff by seniority and refuse to accept the fact that they cannot continue to run roughshod in the station. They are also opposed to unpaid staff taking over their positions despite the financial crisis at the station. A counter picket is being organized to tell the truth about the cause of this crisis.
Entrenched "Save KPFA" Crew To Picket KPFA on 11/4/2010
SaveKPFA
Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2010 8:56 PM
Subject: URGENT: Pacifica poised to slash KPFA staff, protest Thursday noon
Action Alert
Join us in supporting a strong KPFA. Come to anINFORMATIONAL PICKET,Thursday noon at Pacifica
(directions at right)
Get the Word Out
Offers to help are pouring in from across the bay area and the nation. Please FORWARD THIS BULLETIN to every KPFA listener you know and ask them to join this mailing list.
Press Clips on KPFA
KPFA News report on budget
Matthew Lasar on election
KPFAWorker.org on staff cuts
About Us
SaveKPFA seeks to rally progressive support for the station. We are committed to finding common ground with others who share our concerns about KPFA. We need to save this precious resource. More athttp://www.SaveKPFA.org
Pacifica poised to slash KPFA's union staff
The union representing KPFA's paid workers believes Pacifica management is preparing to move ahead with layoffs of more than a quarter of the station's staff, including core public affairs shows such as the Morning Show, Against the Grain and the KPFA Evening News, along with other vital positions at the station.
KPFA union workers are inviting all listeners and concerned community members to join them for an informational picket:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 at NOON
Pacifica National Office
1925 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley
Pacifica's executive director, Arlene Engelhardt, appeared on the Morning Showlast week to talk about a plan to replace KPFA's paid staff with volunteers, which would dramatically affect much of KPFA's programming.
Engelhardt has rejected most of the alternative proposals put forward in aSustainable KPFA Budget backed by workers, the local station board, and KPFA management, and refused to reveal her own salary and those of other high-level managers. While Pacifica's plan would lay off a large portion of the union staff, the Sustainable Budget would reduce bureaucratic overhead and board expense rather than cut on-air programming.
KPFA's union, CWA Local 9415, asks "listeners and the larger progressive and labor community to take a stand against union busting at America's first listener-sponsored radio station" on November 4. Both the San Francisco Labor Council and the Alameda Labor Council have unanimously passed strong resolutions condemning Pacifica for its anti-union activities.
Listener-sponsors have been contacting the executive director with letters of support for KPFA's staff and programming, some of which we've reprinted here.
STAY TUNED for more information on the fight to save KPFA radio. This is an occasional list of important news and announcements. You are receiving it because you have contacted us, or a friend gave us your email as a supporter of a strong KPFA. If you'd like to unsubscribe, please see the instructions below and accept our apologies.
SaveKPFA
Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2010 8:56 PM
Subject: URGENT: Pacifica poised to slash KPFA staff, protest Thursday noon
Action Alert
Join us in supporting a strong KPFA. Come to anINFORMATIONAL PICKET,Thursday noon at Pacifica
(directions at right)
Get the Word Out
Offers to help are pouring in from across the bay area and the nation. Please FORWARD THIS BULLETIN to every KPFA listener you know and ask them to join this mailing list.
Press Clips on KPFA
KPFA News report on budget
Matthew Lasar on election
KPFAWorker.org on staff cuts
About Us
SaveKPFA seeks to rally progressive support for the station. We are committed to finding common ground with others who share our concerns about KPFA. We need to save this precious resource. More athttp://www.SaveKPFA.org
Pacifica poised to slash KPFA's union staff
The union representing KPFA's paid workers believes Pacifica management is preparing to move ahead with layoffs of more than a quarter of the station's staff, including core public affairs shows such as the Morning Show, Against the Grain and the KPFA Evening News, along with other vital positions at the station.
KPFA union workers are inviting all listeners and concerned community members to join them for an informational picket:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 at NOON
Pacifica National Office
1925 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley
Pacifica's executive director, Arlene Engelhardt, appeared on the Morning Showlast week to talk about a plan to replace KPFA's paid staff with volunteers, which would dramatically affect much of KPFA's programming.
Engelhardt has rejected most of the alternative proposals put forward in aSustainable KPFA Budget backed by workers, the local station board, and KPFA management, and refused to reveal her own salary and those of other high-level managers. While Pacifica's plan would lay off a large portion of the union staff, the Sustainable Budget would reduce bureaucratic overhead and board expense rather than cut on-air programming.
KPFA's union, CWA Local 9415, asks "listeners and the larger progressive and labor community to take a stand against union busting at America's first listener-sponsored radio station" on November 4. Both the San Francisco Labor Council and the Alameda Labor Council have unanimously passed strong resolutions condemning Pacifica for its anti-union activities.
Listener-sponsors have been contacting the executive director with letters of support for KPFA's staff and programming, some of which we've reprinted here.
STAY TUNED for more information on the fight to save KPFA radio. This is an occasional list of important news and announcements. You are receiving it because you have contacted us, or a friend gave us your email as a supporter of a strong KPFA. If you'd like to unsubscribe, please see the instructions below and accept our apologies.
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During an intermission in Democracy Now, at 9:20 this morning (Monday 11/1/10), the CLers (Concerned Listeners/Savekpfa) announced their Thurs., Nov 4 demonstration on KPFA's airwaves.
Isn't this a violation of KPFA's airwaves? and if so, why are the CLers allowed to do this?
Isn't this a violation of KPFA's airwaves? and if so, why are the CLers allowed to do this?
The reason that the entrenched staff are allowed to put their "save kpfa" rallies on the air is that they run the management at KPFA. Amad Anderson allows these staffers to run roughshod over the station and also for them to intimidate and terrorize those unpaid staff who do not agree with them. This is a company union operation in which managers who support CL "Save KPFA" do what they want on the air and off the air with no accountability. If you don't agree with these tactics you should be outside KPFA on Thursday at noon to let these people know that they cannot get away with this bullying.
I love the cowards who attack others, but hide their names.
This picket is based on a false allegation , That the cutbacks that probably will have to occur are actually ''Union busting '' ! Absolute bullshit . One example of why this charge is baseless is What happened when Shahram Agimir , City of Oakland Union worker proposed at the last Local Station Board meeting that if any layoffs occurred they be done in accordance with the Union contract that is based on senority . Every '' Concerned Listener '' and their staff allies (Brian Edwards-Tiergert and Laura Prives ) Voted NO !
Why ? Because they want to maintain workers like Edwards-Tiergert and Prives who each have only a few years senority but get rid of Programmers Like Dennis Bernstein who has only 20 yrs plus at KPFA .
And the main reason that KPFA and Pacifica is in such dire straits is because of the gross mismanagement of previous KPFA and Pacifica mgmt., most closely allied with the 'Concerned Listener '' group .
Why ? Because they want to maintain workers like Edwards-Tiergert and Prives who each have only a few years senority but get rid of Programmers Like Dennis Bernstein who has only 20 yrs plus at KPFA .
And the main reason that KPFA and Pacifica is in such dire straits is because of the gross mismanagement of previous KPFA and Pacifica mgmt., most closely allied with the 'Concerned Listener '' group .
Correction . Local Staff rep Shahram's last name is Aghamir .
Over the years I have been viciously and dishonestly attacked, had things made up out of whole cloth, negative things said about my family, any and everything I have said misquoted by anonymous folks supporting KPFAForward, Concerned Listeners, and "save KPFA". All because I accurately point out the hopocrisy apparent when their deeds are compared with their rhetoric.
So Mal you need to clean your own house before you start pointing fingers at anonymous posters. And I don't support folks doing it from any side. People need to take responsibility for what they say.
So Mal you need to clean your own house before you start pointing fingers at anonymous posters. And I don't support folks doing it from any side. People need to take responsibility for what they say.
It's okay, everyone knows the truth by now:
There is no "Mis-Directed Email".
Also, there is no 'Hit List' to 'Fire Dissidents', there is only the Union's own Seniority List for Layoffs...
You can read.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/10/29/18662599.php
For more information:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/10/2...
Usa needs real union like in France . in usa unions are fucking run like mob organisation . CORRUPT TO THE SPINE THEY A SHAME OF WHAT IS SUPOSE TO BE AN UNION LIKE CL FRAUD IS A SHAME OF WHAT IS SUPPPOSE TO BE FREE SPEECH PROGRESSIVE RADIO. THEY ARE THUGS . PACIFICA = PACIFISM=PEACE PEACEFULL NOT A FUCKING OCEAN NAME . PEACEFULL PEOPLE DONT SUPPORT HENIOUS ZIONIST RACISM .
"That the cutbacks that probably will have to occur are actually ''Union busting'"
Mr. Trade Unionist, the allegations of union busting are not only based on the potential cuts, but also Tracy Rosenberg's own words, which were reposted by Mara, to wit:
From http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/10/26/18662338.php
"On September 22nd, I listened to and participated in a brainstorming session. . . . . . . . . . "
...a meeting which included both Arlene Engelhardt and LaVerne Williams. As a member of the Local Station Board and Pacifica National Board, Ms. Rosenberg lacks authority is unable to adjudicate in matters involving personnel.
and presto - there's the machinations that give the patina of union busting!
Mr. Trade Unionist, the allegations of union busting are not only based on the potential cuts, but also Tracy Rosenberg's own words, which were reposted by Mara, to wit:
From http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/10/26/18662338.php
"On September 22nd, I listened to and participated in a brainstorming session. . . . . . . . . . "
...a meeting which included both Arlene Engelhardt and LaVerne Williams. As a member of the Local Station Board and Pacifica National Board, Ms. Rosenberg lacks authority is unable to adjudicate in matters involving personnel.
and presto - there's the machinations that give the patina of union busting!
Wikipedia -Union busting is a wide range of activities undertaken by employers, their proxies, and governments, which hinder workers from freely organizing, joining and maintaining trade unions. While the right to join and form trade unions is recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), union busting actions subvert the organization and continuation of unions by sowing discord amongst union members, challenging unions via law courts, strike breaking, lockouts, violent suppression, the sponsorship of anti-union organizations, or the creation of employer-controlled trade unions.
Ms. Rosenberg was just trying to ensure that the CWA 9415 was serving all its members equally by following its own contract which calls for layoffs to be carried out according to seniority.
Ms. Rosenberg was just trying to ensure that the CWA 9415 was serving all its members equally by following its own contract which calls for layoffs to be carried out according to seniority.
Jeff Blankfort On "The Real KPFA" Zionism And Labor
http://blip.tv/file/4175305
Long term journalist and radio
host Jeff Blankfort discusses the history of the "Save KPFA" grouping formerly called
Concerned Listeners that are running in the KPFA 2010 elections. Some of the
supporters of "Save KPFA" were involved in refusing to fight the corporate take-over
of KPFA and Pacifica by Pat Scott. They also conspired with Scott to get rid of the
UE which represented all the workers including the unpaid staff.
This event was held on 9/24/2010 in San Francisco at a meeting of KPFA Voices For Justice Radio
http://www.voicesforjusticeradio.org
http://blip.tv/file/4175305
Long term journalist and radio
host Jeff Blankfort discusses the history of the "Save KPFA" grouping formerly called
Concerned Listeners that are running in the KPFA 2010 elections. Some of the
supporters of "Save KPFA" were involved in refusing to fight the corporate take-over
of KPFA and Pacifica by Pat Scott. They also conspired with Scott to get rid of the
UE which represented all the workers including the unpaid staff.
This event was held on 9/24/2010 in San Francisco at a meeting of KPFA Voices For Justice Radio
http://www.voicesforjusticeradio.org
For more information:
http://blip.tv/file/4175305
Folks, one thing that needs to be addressed is the role of unions. The difference of the unquestioned loyalty to a union v. a for profit corporation and versus a non-profit progressive political organization. In the first case we always generally support the union even with bad leadership to support the workers from increased exploitation as the corporation tries to increase profits on the backs of the workers.
The second situation is quite different. When the union narrowly does things that can destroy the non-profit we have to balance the facts as to how support is given and find a collaborative approach, since the non-profit is not a class enemy seeking increased profits.
Unfortunately the CL folks try to superimpose the first example onto the second and play the "union card" to get absolute support and demonize anyone that they say is "anti-union" for not agreeing with them 100%
The second situation is quite different. When the union narrowly does things that can destroy the non-profit we have to balance the facts as to how support is given and find a collaborative approach, since the non-profit is not a class enemy seeking increased profits.
Unfortunately the CL folks try to superimpose the first example onto the second and play the "union card" to get absolute support and demonize anyone that they say is "anti-union" for not agreeing with them 100%
Richard - tell that to the millions of nonprofit workers (including those who work for unions!) who have had *terrible* management, and yes, they need unions. Sadly, the worst employers are sometimes these do-gooder organizations we call "nonprofits."
Akio - duh, it *is* union-busting. Tracy Rosenberg, Shahram, Joe Wanzala are all Pacifica national board members and therefore management. Pacifica is an employer. When you (management) threaten workers for layoff who have spoken out to oppose your management policies, that's called employer intimidation, aka union busting. Or maybe a purge. Take your pick. Either way, it's unconscionable behavior from any Pacifica board member.
And for these people to then turn around and say "follow the union contract" is just a smokescreen and unbelievably cynical. No wonder the local KPFA board didn't support their motion.
Akio - duh, it *is* union-busting. Tracy Rosenberg, Shahram, Joe Wanzala are all Pacifica national board members and therefore management. Pacifica is an employer. When you (management) threaten workers for layoff who have spoken out to oppose your management policies, that's called employer intimidation, aka union busting. Or maybe a purge. Take your pick. Either way, it's unconscionable behavior from any Pacifica board member.
And for these people to then turn around and say "follow the union contract" is just a smokescreen and unbelievably cynical. No wonder the local KPFA board didn't support their motion.
Most non-profits do not have a progressive mission like Pacifica and an important role in informing people of what is really going on in our country and the world.
I am not going to repeat all the points previously made. I will just say that from the information I have and the history I know first hand the CL/Staff and allies have been dishonest and violated election rules whenever it suits them. I often wonder what kind of alternative society they want since they cheat on elections and have tried to destroy any hope of a functioning democracy at KPFA and Pacifica. And since you are anonymous, it is quite likely you are one of them.
I am not going to repeat all the points previously made. I will just say that from the information I have and the history I know first hand the CL/Staff and allies have been dishonest and violated election rules whenever it suits them. I often wonder what kind of alternative society they want since they cheat on elections and have tried to destroy any hope of a functioning democracy at KPFA and Pacifica. And since you are anonymous, it is quite likely you are one of them.
Mr. Phelps, I hope you can appreciate that "the information [you] have and the history [you] know first hand the CL/Staff and allies" provides little comfort to people like myself who have only recently begun observing affairs inre: KPFA governance. Therefore, I'm not privy to these past dealings and would appreciate the semantics to determine if your assertions are relevant.
And as far as the anonymity, I do my part by offering a recurring demonym. I've taken note of the fact that some feel the need to accent their posts with pictures of the people they disagree with (e.g. Vini Beacham) and would just as soon refrain from properly identifying myself.
This last item isn't necessarily directed at you, Mr. Phelps: I couldn't help thinking last night as I watched Democracy Now/LinkTV's coverage last night of the mid-term elections about how professional Amy Goodman is. Professionalism is nice sometimes, ain't it?
See you all at the Rally to Support KPFA Staff/or Defend Staff Cuts tomorrow.
And as far as the anonymity, I do my part by offering a recurring demonym. I've taken note of the fact that some feel the need to accent their posts with pictures of the people they disagree with (e.g. Vini Beacham) and would just as soon refrain from properly identifying myself.
This last item isn't necessarily directed at you, Mr. Phelps: I couldn't help thinking last night as I watched Democracy Now/LinkTV's coverage last night of the mid-term elections about how professional Amy Goodman is. Professionalism is nice sometimes, ain't it?
See you all at the Rally to Support KPFA Staff/or Defend Staff Cuts tomorrow.
I worked in radio from for over 5 years when I was a young man. Both AM and FM. I was a member of AFTRA and had # 1 ratings for my time slot against two monster AM stations and the FM station I had previously worked for. I am not claiming to have been a great radio announcer/dj. My success was based on my being tuned into the listeners and giving them what they wanted and being a little ahead of them with new music, progressive news, I rewrote the things I took from the San Diego Union Tribune and wire services, unlike what our news staff does with the AP wire, it is not that hard to take out all the corporate/pentagon spin if you want to.
It is a standard professional practice in radio to put your best program in Prime time. In 2003-4 there was great popular demand to put Democracy Now! in prime time, the Program Council and the LSB both voted to do it and the staff and management allied with the Clers, back then KPFAForward, refused to do it because they wanted to keep the morning prime time for themselves. That is what I mean by manipulating "professionalism".
It is a standard professional practice in radio to put your best program in Prime time. In 2003-4 there was great popular demand to put Democracy Now! in prime time, the Program Council and the LSB both voted to do it and the staff and management allied with the Clers, back then KPFAForward, refused to do it because they wanted to keep the morning prime time for themselves. That is what I mean by manipulating "professionalism".
The best way to decide who to believe with questionable issues during confusing times is to evaluate what folks have done and compare it to what they say. Would anyone believe a peace initiative by George W. Bush? That is why I have written what I write. And yes I write from a point of view: The station and the network are a Commons and don't belong to any group of staff or listeners. They are desperately needed to educate and activate folks if we have any hope to create a fair and just society and world and to save our dying planet.
I do write honestly which is why most of the attacks on me are personal of some kind since I am honest about what happened and who did what. And I criticize folks on my side of the isle when they go outside of basic principles, truth, honesty, transparency, democratic process, due process, fair elections etc.
I do write honestly which is why most of the attacks on me are personal of some kind since I am honest about what happened and who did what. And I criticize folks on my side of the isle when they go outside of basic principles, truth, honesty, transparency, democratic process, due process, fair elections etc.
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