NLRB Authorizes Formal Complaint Against SBS/L.A.

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 13, 2017 | 6:31pm CT

Region 31 of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Los Angeles will move forward with a formal complaint on unfair labor practice charges filed by SAG-AFTRA against Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), owner of Regional Mexican KLAX (97.9 LA RAZA) and KXOL (Mega 96.3) Los Angeles. The NLRB -- the governmental agency handling unfair labor practices -- authorized issuance of a formal complaint against SBS alleging violations of the National Labor Relations Act.

The union alleges that "SBS unlawfully fired seven of its unionized employees (25% of the workforce) in retaliation for their union activities, in an effort to decimate the Union and unlawfully failed to give SAG-AFTRA an opportunity to bargain about the terminations." It also alleges the SBS "used a long litany of bad faith bargaining tactics."

Additionally, SAG-AFTRA has requested that the "NLRB quickly issue the complaint, set a quick trial date, and go into federal district court to obtain an injunction to get the terminated employees back to work immediately and bring this lawless employer to justice."

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said, "The National Labor Relations Board's findings underscore what we have been saying all along: For nearly a year, SBS has failed to negotiate a fair contract with the union, and refuses to engage in good faith bargaining over economics, including wages. SBS's blatant disregard for workers' rights cannot and will not be tolerated. I want to thank all of the SAG-AFTRA members who stepped up and spoke up. Their passion for justice and their voices are an important part in this fight."

On August 1, 2016, air talent at LA RAZA and Mega 96.3 voted to join SAG-AFTRA by a majority vote, making them the first Spanish-language radio stations to organize in Los Angeles.