KPFA Budget Crisis Forces Staff Reduction

KPFA BUDGET CRISIS FORCES STAFF REDUCTION
For Immediate Release: Date: November 14, 2010

Contact: Arlene Engelhardt, Executive Director (510) 849-2590, ext. 208, (510) 402-9880 (cell)
LaVarn Williams, Chief Financial Officer (510) 849-2590, ext. 204

KPFA BUDGET CRISIS FORCES STAFF REDUCTION
Pacifica Foundation radio station KPFA 94.1 FM is regretfully reducing its paid workforce from 44 to 35 full- and part-time employees, in order to balance income with expenditures for the fiscal year.

Founded in 1949, KPFA is the first listener-sponsored radio station in the country, but like many other community institutions, it has suffered a serious downturn in donations over the past few years. During Fiscal Year 2009, the station spent almost $575,000 more than it took in. In the fiscal year that ended September 30, KPFA spent $480,000 more than it took in.

Seven employees volunteered to take a layoff package, but it was unfortunately necessary to lay off two employees, the hosts of the Morning Show. The involuntary layoffs were carried out under the seniority provisions of the labor-management contract Pacifica Foundation has with its union, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), with consideration given to crucial positions and special skills.

Reducing KPFA’s workforce from approximately 29.75 full-time equivalents (FTEs) to approximately 25.3 FTEs will cut station personnel expenses by about $320,000 over the remainder of this fiscal year, resulting in a balanced budget.

KPFA will continue to offer a locally produced Morning Show, and its new line-up will be announced shortly. The Morning Show’s focus on local community news and cultural affairs will continue.

KPFA’s staff is represented by the Communications Workers of America Local 9415, which has filed a complaint with the NLRB, alleging violations of union rights. Pacifica believes that certain union members have engaged in violations of the union contract, and is considering what legal action it may need to take.

Pacifica’s policy is to negotiate employment disagreements amicably and as the law requires, in good faith. Pacifica hopes that KPFA can come together and focus on its mission to foster peace and social justice and to provide progressive news during these distressing political and economic times.


http://pacifica.org/policy/kpfa-budget-crisis-forces-staff-reduction.html