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Indybay Feature
Pacifica Executive Director's Final Report
When you look back at the last two years, I think you will find that it was a time in which Pacifica began to rebuild its capacity and recover its self-respect. My goal was not to force radical change; I realize that some people who hoped that I would “clean house” may be disappointed with that. But it was my view that the key tasks were to rebuild trust, foster cooperation, and methodically develop – with as little disruption as possible – more proactive and collaborative programming, more efficient and effective management, and a culture of renewed civility and mutual respect.
Executive Director's Report
September 7, 2007
When I began work as Executive Director on January 23, 2006 – after being hired only three weeks before – the rebuilding of Pacifica’s organizational and programming infrastructure, after years of struggle, was still incomplete. At KPFA, the General Manager departed just days before I arrived, and both staff and Board were clamoring for a replacement. There was no National Technical Director; serious questions surrounded how to handle national programming; there was little cooperation between units and no clear process for developing special broadcasts; and a major lawsuit was looming. The national staff rarely met, and the only time General Managers discussed issues as a group was immediately before in-person PNB meetings. In other words, there was no ongoing, substantive coordination of key management and national staff. There were also few records in the national office explaining how management functioned and no clear record of Board decisions.
I mention this not to place any blame. And I certainly can't take credit for many of Pacifica’s recent achievements. But since this is probably my last report to the Board, I believe that both a baseline and an overall review is in order. Among the changes and accomplishments that have taken place since early 2006, I include the following:
1) HIRING: An Interim General Manager for KPFA (Lemlem Rijio) was hired, and has proven to be both competent and strong. The result is that, despite the disagreements over policy decisions you would expect, the atmosphere at this station is considerably more calm. Pacifica has also gained an excellent National Technical Director (Jon Almeleh), a creative Network Programming Coordinator (Nathan Moore) – after working out the scope of this new position with the Board, and a new Interim General Manager for WBAI (Robert Scott Adams). As promised, I’ve brought new people and ideas into the organization.
2) STAFF COOPERATION: We’ve initiated and maintained a regular schedule of productive staff meetings, and simultaneously broadening the participation in these bi-weekly work sessions. The Operations Collective has met more than 30 times, and has become one of the main forums for developing initiatives and working out problems. Ask General Managers, Program Directors, or national staff and you’ll find that they are more engaged and have developed stronger and more productive working relationships.
3) PROGRAMMING: The capacity to produce national programming has been greatly expanded. In 2006, Pacifica launched the Spanish language newscast “Informativo Pacifica,” the weekly archives show “From the Vault,” and a successful election season series, “Informed Dissent” – which can be a model for future ongoing national programming (More than 55 producers from 15 states were involved in this 10 week series, an unprecedented example of collaborative production). Pacifica staff – often working in teams that involved people from more than one station -- also produced numerous specials – live coverage of key hearings, and broadcasts on labor, immigration, the 2006 elections, constitutional rights, race, media democracy, Palestine, gay rights, and the US Social Forum, among other topics. Pacifica is recreating its capacity to produce national programming. This Spring and Summer, the Board heard directly from staff about their ideas for the future. There is still work to be done, but we’ve come a long way in less than two years.
4) DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT: To project this new programming, as well as the diverse offerings of the stations, new and improved websites have been launched. Pete Korakis has created a content-rich main site, as well as separate websites that provide timely information about governance and the network. Pacifica still doesn’t devote sufficient resources to its digital infrastructure, but we have gained some ground. This summer, after an extended debate, we launched a digital distribution project that will have a profound impact on how Pacifica reaches audiences in the years ahead. Inexpensive storage of audio content makes it possible for listeners to “time shift” – that is, to personalize their listening habits. This emerging media landscape also makes it possible to tap more creativity and talent – to create a new kind of dialogue with listeners. If we continue to move forward, Pacifica has the potential to again use its unique position and resources to protect and expand free speech – this time by using multiple platforms and supporting the broader movement to preserve a democratic Internet.
5) PRESERVING THE LEGACY: The Pacifica Archives has not only launched a weekly program, but succeeded in having it distributed internationally. In addition, Brian DeShazor and the PRA staff have continued to promote the importance of Pacifica’s unique resource, attracting donors through creative marketing, producing specials, and even testifying before the Library of Congress. PRA is currently developing an ambitious preservation and distribution project, focusing on historic audio from the late 1960s, with the potential to influence public understanding of that crucial period.
6) NETWORK DEVELOPMENT: The Affiliates Network has expanded significantly – from less than 90 stations when I was hired to more than 125 today. This is largely due to the efforts of Ursula Ruedenberg, who has also taken the lead in making Pacifica a key part of the Radio for People Campaign -- the push to have as many local groups as possible apply for new, full-power licenses next month.
7) POLICIES AND RECORDS: New policies and procedures have been implemented – concerning confidentiality, election processes, reimbursements, reporting, national broadcasts, job postings, and harassment – and in general, communication has been much more open and inclusive. The Board and the community can now see all the major decisions that have been made over the past four years, organized topically and available online. People may not always agree with such decisions or policies, but I don’t think it’s easy to argue anymore that Pacifica’s management or leadership is not transparent. I’ve also developed and regularly updated an extensive new filing system for various aspects of national management, In short, the Board and the community have been kept informed, and my successor will have the benefit of significant records on developments and issues addressed since early 2006.
8) ELECTIONS: In 2006, Pacifica had successful elections. There were flaws and criticism, but I say that they were successful because (a) the cost was reduced, (b) more of the process was handled in-house, (c) turnout slightly increased, and (d) no major complaints were filed. This year, the elections are off to a solid start with an increased number of candidates, a strong National Election Supervisor, and a clear, public outline of the deadlines and rules.
9) LEGAL ISSUES: I led the process of hiring a general corporate counsel, who has since helped us to control costs and keep pace with issues as they emerge. During my time here, two legal cases have been put behind us, and although there are still pending legal issues, I want to stress that -- with only a few exceptions – the legal issues facing Pacifica stem for disputes that date back more than two years. I’ve commented previously on the nature of these actions and the damage they do. I urge everyone who loves this organization to look for other ways to resolve differences.
10) IMAGE: This brings us to the last point – Pacifica’s image. When I arrived, it was still known as an organization hobbled by conflict. According to a description in Wikipedia, “years of internal legal battles and financial mismanagement had taken a toll.” Since then, I believe we have begun to repair the damage. Part of my strategy has been to consistently promote the accomplishments and vision of the network by writing articles, making public appearances, issuing editorials, and attempting to serve as a credible voice for what is best about the network. There’s still a way to go, but Pacifica’s public image has improved. Earlier this year, for example, at the annual National Federation of Community Broadcasters conference, Pacifica was publicly thanked and praised rather than criticized. If you search the Internet today, you’ll see more about our stands on issues and our programming than about any lingering internecine warfare.
When you look back at the last two years, I think you will find that it was a time in which Pacifica began to rebuild its capacity and recover its self-respect. My goal was not to force radical change; I realize that some people who hoped that I would “clean house” may be disappointed with that. But it was my view that the key tasks were to rebuild trust, foster cooperation, and methodically develop – with as little disruption as possible – more proactive and collaborative programming, more efficient and effective management, and a culture of renewed civility and mutual respect.
This is certainly still a work in progress, and I’ve probably been neither as successful as some supporters claim nor as bad as critics accuse. In some cases, however, the claims of those who feels management has been ill-informed or out of control have been based on little more than bitterness and projection. What I have done, I hope, is help spur a process of reconciliation, while moving forward in some key areas, and meanwhile clarifying differences and tasks where there is still crucial work to be done.
Greg Guma
****
Executive Director
Pacifica Foundation
September 7, 2007
When I began work as Executive Director on January 23, 2006 – after being hired only three weeks before – the rebuilding of Pacifica’s organizational and programming infrastructure, after years of struggle, was still incomplete. At KPFA, the General Manager departed just days before I arrived, and both staff and Board were clamoring for a replacement. There was no National Technical Director; serious questions surrounded how to handle national programming; there was little cooperation between units and no clear process for developing special broadcasts; and a major lawsuit was looming. The national staff rarely met, and the only time General Managers discussed issues as a group was immediately before in-person PNB meetings. In other words, there was no ongoing, substantive coordination of key management and national staff. There were also few records in the national office explaining how management functioned and no clear record of Board decisions.
I mention this not to place any blame. And I certainly can't take credit for many of Pacifica’s recent achievements. But since this is probably my last report to the Board, I believe that both a baseline and an overall review is in order. Among the changes and accomplishments that have taken place since early 2006, I include the following:
1) HIRING: An Interim General Manager for KPFA (Lemlem Rijio) was hired, and has proven to be both competent and strong. The result is that, despite the disagreements over policy decisions you would expect, the atmosphere at this station is considerably more calm. Pacifica has also gained an excellent National Technical Director (Jon Almeleh), a creative Network Programming Coordinator (Nathan Moore) – after working out the scope of this new position with the Board, and a new Interim General Manager for WBAI (Robert Scott Adams). As promised, I’ve brought new people and ideas into the organization.
2) STAFF COOPERATION: We’ve initiated and maintained a regular schedule of productive staff meetings, and simultaneously broadening the participation in these bi-weekly work sessions. The Operations Collective has met more than 30 times, and has become one of the main forums for developing initiatives and working out problems. Ask General Managers, Program Directors, or national staff and you’ll find that they are more engaged and have developed stronger and more productive working relationships.
3) PROGRAMMING: The capacity to produce national programming has been greatly expanded. In 2006, Pacifica launched the Spanish language newscast “Informativo Pacifica,” the weekly archives show “From the Vault,” and a successful election season series, “Informed Dissent” – which can be a model for future ongoing national programming (More than 55 producers from 15 states were involved in this 10 week series, an unprecedented example of collaborative production). Pacifica staff – often working in teams that involved people from more than one station -- also produced numerous specials – live coverage of key hearings, and broadcasts on labor, immigration, the 2006 elections, constitutional rights, race, media democracy, Palestine, gay rights, and the US Social Forum, among other topics. Pacifica is recreating its capacity to produce national programming. This Spring and Summer, the Board heard directly from staff about their ideas for the future. There is still work to be done, but we’ve come a long way in less than two years.
4) DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT: To project this new programming, as well as the diverse offerings of the stations, new and improved websites have been launched. Pete Korakis has created a content-rich main site, as well as separate websites that provide timely information about governance and the network. Pacifica still doesn’t devote sufficient resources to its digital infrastructure, but we have gained some ground. This summer, after an extended debate, we launched a digital distribution project that will have a profound impact on how Pacifica reaches audiences in the years ahead. Inexpensive storage of audio content makes it possible for listeners to “time shift” – that is, to personalize their listening habits. This emerging media landscape also makes it possible to tap more creativity and talent – to create a new kind of dialogue with listeners. If we continue to move forward, Pacifica has the potential to again use its unique position and resources to protect and expand free speech – this time by using multiple platforms and supporting the broader movement to preserve a democratic Internet.
5) PRESERVING THE LEGACY: The Pacifica Archives has not only launched a weekly program, but succeeded in having it distributed internationally. In addition, Brian DeShazor and the PRA staff have continued to promote the importance of Pacifica’s unique resource, attracting donors through creative marketing, producing specials, and even testifying before the Library of Congress. PRA is currently developing an ambitious preservation and distribution project, focusing on historic audio from the late 1960s, with the potential to influence public understanding of that crucial period.
6) NETWORK DEVELOPMENT: The Affiliates Network has expanded significantly – from less than 90 stations when I was hired to more than 125 today. This is largely due to the efforts of Ursula Ruedenberg, who has also taken the lead in making Pacifica a key part of the Radio for People Campaign -- the push to have as many local groups as possible apply for new, full-power licenses next month.
7) POLICIES AND RECORDS: New policies and procedures have been implemented – concerning confidentiality, election processes, reimbursements, reporting, national broadcasts, job postings, and harassment – and in general, communication has been much more open and inclusive. The Board and the community can now see all the major decisions that have been made over the past four years, organized topically and available online. People may not always agree with such decisions or policies, but I don’t think it’s easy to argue anymore that Pacifica’s management or leadership is not transparent. I’ve also developed and regularly updated an extensive new filing system for various aspects of national management, In short, the Board and the community have been kept informed, and my successor will have the benefit of significant records on developments and issues addressed since early 2006.
8) ELECTIONS: In 2006, Pacifica had successful elections. There were flaws and criticism, but I say that they were successful because (a) the cost was reduced, (b) more of the process was handled in-house, (c) turnout slightly increased, and (d) no major complaints were filed. This year, the elections are off to a solid start with an increased number of candidates, a strong National Election Supervisor, and a clear, public outline of the deadlines and rules.
9) LEGAL ISSUES: I led the process of hiring a general corporate counsel, who has since helped us to control costs and keep pace with issues as they emerge. During my time here, two legal cases have been put behind us, and although there are still pending legal issues, I want to stress that -- with only a few exceptions – the legal issues facing Pacifica stem for disputes that date back more than two years. I’ve commented previously on the nature of these actions and the damage they do. I urge everyone who loves this organization to look for other ways to resolve differences.
10) IMAGE: This brings us to the last point – Pacifica’s image. When I arrived, it was still known as an organization hobbled by conflict. According to a description in Wikipedia, “years of internal legal battles and financial mismanagement had taken a toll.” Since then, I believe we have begun to repair the damage. Part of my strategy has been to consistently promote the accomplishments and vision of the network by writing articles, making public appearances, issuing editorials, and attempting to serve as a credible voice for what is best about the network. There’s still a way to go, but Pacifica’s public image has improved. Earlier this year, for example, at the annual National Federation of Community Broadcasters conference, Pacifica was publicly thanked and praised rather than criticized. If you search the Internet today, you’ll see more about our stands on issues and our programming than about any lingering internecine warfare.
When you look back at the last two years, I think you will find that it was a time in which Pacifica began to rebuild its capacity and recover its self-respect. My goal was not to force radical change; I realize that some people who hoped that I would “clean house” may be disappointed with that. But it was my view that the key tasks were to rebuild trust, foster cooperation, and methodically develop – with as little disruption as possible – more proactive and collaborative programming, more efficient and effective management, and a culture of renewed civility and mutual respect.
This is certainly still a work in progress, and I’ve probably been neither as successful as some supporters claim nor as bad as critics accuse. In some cases, however, the claims of those who feels management has been ill-informed or out of control have been based on little more than bitterness and projection. What I have done, I hope, is help spur a process of reconciliation, while moving forward in some key areas, and meanwhile clarifying differences and tasks where there is still crucial work to be done.
Greg Guma
****
Executive Director
Pacifica Foundation
For more information:
http://www.pacifica.org/
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This report is full of bullshit . Lem Lem has ''restored calm '' at KPFA ? Yeah, sure if fear of being fired,(or excuse me to use the type of corporate term Lem Lem and Sasha Lilly are fond of , ''downsized'' ) keeps in house critics ''calm '' and silent .
Lem Lem , Sasha and Brian Edwards-Tiekert have refused to recognize UPSO , The Unpaid Staff organization . They have dismantled the program council . They have backed the Concerned Listeners slate in many ways , overt and covert . They should all follow Guma's lead on one thing , resign !
Lem Lem , Sasha and Brian Edwards-Tiekert have refused to recognize UPSO , The Unpaid Staff organization . They have dismantled the program council . They have backed the Concerned Listeners slate in many ways , overt and covert . They should all follow Guma's lead on one thing , resign !
As much as we appreciate being informed, it is wrong to post anything under somebody else's name without the approval of the originating party, or without providing a disclaimer of some sort to indicate a posting comes second-hand.
Whether intentional or not, misleading readers does not serve the interests of Indybay.org
Whether intentional or not, misleading readers does not serve the interests of Indybay.org
Guma,
You seem to forget that during the last election Tracy Rosenberg used this same site to put out statements about the election and you had no problem with that. You also apparently had no problem about some supporters of concerned listeners releasing confidential information against Sasha Futran who was running for the board. You were asked to make an investigation of this misuse of Pacifica files and you were unconcerned. So much for integrity.
The fact of the matter is that your choice of Lemlem Rijio as interim manager at KPFA and her flagrant union busting tactic of de-reognizing the Unpaid Staff Organization has been condoned by you in this statement. If you think this is giving a good name to KPFA you certainly have a twisted view of how democracy works.
You also leave out that under your authority the foundation has had to pay hundreds of thousands of dollar to workers and their lawyers due to management incompetence and discrimination. What happened to your resouce director and your plan for accountablity. She resigned because the entrenched interests you have done damage control for are against accountablity. Good riddance.
You seem to forget that during the last election Tracy Rosenberg used this same site to put out statements about the election and you had no problem with that. You also apparently had no problem about some supporters of concerned listeners releasing confidential information against Sasha Futran who was running for the board. You were asked to make an investigation of this misuse of Pacifica files and you were unconcerned. So much for integrity.
The fact of the matter is that your choice of Lemlem Rijio as interim manager at KPFA and her flagrant union busting tactic of de-reognizing the Unpaid Staff Organization has been condoned by you in this statement. If you think this is giving a good name to KPFA you certainly have a twisted view of how democracy works.
You also leave out that under your authority the foundation has had to pay hundreds of thousands of dollar to workers and their lawyers due to management incompetence and discrimination. What happened to your resouce director and your plan for accountablity. She resigned because the entrenched interests you have done damage control for are against accountablity. Good riddance.
The critical comments being posted might have more legitimacy and spur some constructive debate if those making them had the intestinal fortitude to reveal their identities. Instead, they hide behind aliases and make a combination of rude comments and unsubstantiated charges that reinforce my point. It is truly sad to see this valuable means of open communication so manipulated and trivialized by such bile.
Who are these phantoms, claiming to be supporters of democracy and my former "supporters" but unwilling even to tell the community their names? Should anything they say be believed? Provocateurs use many tactics, and often exploit the openness of democratic forums to sow hatred and distrust. I believe we are seeing some examples.
Union-busting? Unpaid staff organizations are not unions, though they may wish to extend the rights of long-terms volunteers. Hundreds of thousands paid out to "workers and their lawyers?" Only one person and that person's lawyer has been paid a settlement in the past two years, and that person -- now on a local station board -- has openly threatened that "it's not over." Management incompetence and discrimination? According to who? Based on what evidence?
Like the religious right and the Bush administration, the author of the previous message seems to believe that if you repeat lies often enough they will become true. I have no problem with people airing disagreements, and this site is a potentially great forum. But its value is undermined when people like "Tell the Truth" poison the discussion.
Who are these phantoms, claiming to be supporters of democracy and my former "supporters" but unwilling even to tell the community their names? Should anything they say be believed? Provocateurs use many tactics, and often exploit the openness of democratic forums to sow hatred and distrust. I believe we are seeing some examples.
Union-busting? Unpaid staff organizations are not unions, though they may wish to extend the rights of long-terms volunteers. Hundreds of thousands paid out to "workers and their lawyers?" Only one person and that person's lawyer has been paid a settlement in the past two years, and that person -- now on a local station board -- has openly threatened that "it's not over." Management incompetence and discrimination? According to who? Based on what evidence?
Like the religious right and the Bush administration, the author of the previous message seems to believe that if you repeat lies often enough they will become true. I have no problem with people airing disagreements, and this site is a potentially great forum. But its value is undermined when people like "Tell the Truth" poison the discussion.
Hello Greg:
Thanks for engaging on this thread and thanks for letting people know that you did not post this note here. As a local station board member I had not seen or heard about your report until it appeared here so I assumed you had posted it - and wondered why - and still wonder why it was not sent to the LSBs - or at least the KPFA LSB, perhaps you were still getting around to that.
Anyway I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your work with the Pacifica Foundation, a tough undertaking by any measure. Unfortunately, during your tenure I have not had the opportunity to engage with you much in person. I think you came to one LSB meeting in Berkeley last year for perhaps an hour or so and apparently had to leave.
I'd agree that anonymous posts are very bad form and I join you in requesting that people identify themselves. I'd like to take issue with something that you wrote:
You wrote: "Union-busting? Unpaid staff organizations are not unions, though they may wish to extend the rights of long-terms volunteers."
While your statement above sounds reasonable enough, and perhaps even understandable given that you are relatively new on the Pacifica scene, though you have certainly done an impressive job [my observation from the distance of the local station board backbench in Berkeley] of grappling with Pacifica's complexities. Perhaps it is a function of your philosophical viewpoint, which is fine. Indeed, most people would probably think it odd that unpaid staff should be part of the union - but that is wht Pacifica is - or was different - it [used to] acknowledge that work is work - even if you are not paid for it, and especially given the nature of programming at Pacifica, it is difficult to draw a line between 'work' and 'volunteerism' since, presumably, even the paid staff choose to work at a place like Pacifica because of a commitment to the ideas articulated in the Pacifica mission. In recent years, even after what happened in the 1990s around Pacifica, there has been an effort to drive a deeper wedge between paid and unpaid staff and foster the false idea that unpaid volunteers cannot be 'professional' in terms of their work ethic and that being paid makes one automatically 'professional' regardless of their actual work ethic.
At any rate, if placed in Pacifica's historical context your statement actually adds insult to one of the most significant injuries to programmers and staff - paid and unpaid - in Pacifica - the busting of the staff unions that used to include both categories of staff - by a notorious union busting outfit no less.
"In 1997, the NLRB ruled that the Paid and Unpaid Staff that Pacifica/WBAI Management attempted to remove were rightfully members of the [collective bargaining unit]."
http://www.glib.com/nation_letter.html
furthermore, excerpting from http://www.wbai.net/eow/eow_kpfa_gilardin8-27-04.html
May, 1996: The presence of the American Consulting Group at KPFA, and Pacifica, was exposed by Take Back KPFA. The producer of the labor program on KPFA did not have the courage to mention its presence in KPFA's union negotiations while interviewing a union activist on the role of the ACG in preventing union organizing at the Lafayette Park Hotel The rest of the staff also maintained radio silence concerning ACG's role at the station.
December, 1996: CPB's Deputy Inspector Mike Donovan was fired after attempting to continue the investigation into the violation of open meeting rules of the Pacifica National Board. No word from staff. Unconcerned with anything outside of the station's front door, paid staff probably didn't know about it.
1996-1997: The union at WBAI, the United Electrical Workers (UE), refused to submit to Scott's order to kick the unpaid staff from the union. While the WBAI/UE fought all the way up to the NLRB for inclusion of the unpaid staff in the bargaining unit - and even initially were victorious at the New York level (Feb. 1997) - KPFA paid staff knuckled under to Scott and left the UE and joined the CWA (Communication Workers of America), breaking solidarity with their sister union members in New York, and as well as with KPFA's unpaid staff who they unceremoniously booted out.
So, the decision by the general manager to de-recognize the Unpaid Staff Organization was, in my opinion, essentially busting that organization - in order to further undermine the democratic governance structure - which I believe to be the goal of the current management at KPFA, since the unpaid staff organization as it is currently constituted, and in tandem with other bylaws provisions, plays a significant role at the station, especially with respect to the decision making role of the Program Council - and KPFA management has stated, on the air - that the role of the Program Council is being 'modified' or something to that effect.
I hope this was helpful,
Regards,
Joe Wanzala, Listener Representative, KPFA Local Station Board.
Thanks for engaging on this thread and thanks for letting people know that you did not post this note here. As a local station board member I had not seen or heard about your report until it appeared here so I assumed you had posted it - and wondered why - and still wonder why it was not sent to the LSBs - or at least the KPFA LSB, perhaps you were still getting around to that.
Anyway I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your work with the Pacifica Foundation, a tough undertaking by any measure. Unfortunately, during your tenure I have not had the opportunity to engage with you much in person. I think you came to one LSB meeting in Berkeley last year for perhaps an hour or so and apparently had to leave.
I'd agree that anonymous posts are very bad form and I join you in requesting that people identify themselves. I'd like to take issue with something that you wrote:
You wrote: "Union-busting? Unpaid staff organizations are not unions, though they may wish to extend the rights of long-terms volunteers."
While your statement above sounds reasonable enough, and perhaps even understandable given that you are relatively new on the Pacifica scene, though you have certainly done an impressive job [my observation from the distance of the local station board backbench in Berkeley] of grappling with Pacifica's complexities. Perhaps it is a function of your philosophical viewpoint, which is fine. Indeed, most people would probably think it odd that unpaid staff should be part of the union - but that is wht Pacifica is - or was different - it [used to] acknowledge that work is work - even if you are not paid for it, and especially given the nature of programming at Pacifica, it is difficult to draw a line between 'work' and 'volunteerism' since, presumably, even the paid staff choose to work at a place like Pacifica because of a commitment to the ideas articulated in the Pacifica mission. In recent years, even after what happened in the 1990s around Pacifica, there has been an effort to drive a deeper wedge between paid and unpaid staff and foster the false idea that unpaid volunteers cannot be 'professional' in terms of their work ethic and that being paid makes one automatically 'professional' regardless of their actual work ethic.
At any rate, if placed in Pacifica's historical context your statement actually adds insult to one of the most significant injuries to programmers and staff - paid and unpaid - in Pacifica - the busting of the staff unions that used to include both categories of staff - by a notorious union busting outfit no less.
"In 1997, the NLRB ruled that the Paid and Unpaid Staff that Pacifica/WBAI Management attempted to remove were rightfully members of the [collective bargaining unit]."
http://www.glib.com/nation_letter.html
furthermore, excerpting from http://www.wbai.net/eow/eow_kpfa_gilardin8-27-04.html
May, 1996: The presence of the American Consulting Group at KPFA, and Pacifica, was exposed by Take Back KPFA. The producer of the labor program on KPFA did not have the courage to mention its presence in KPFA's union negotiations while interviewing a union activist on the role of the ACG in preventing union organizing at the Lafayette Park Hotel The rest of the staff also maintained radio silence concerning ACG's role at the station.
December, 1996: CPB's Deputy Inspector Mike Donovan was fired after attempting to continue the investigation into the violation of open meeting rules of the Pacifica National Board. No word from staff. Unconcerned with anything outside of the station's front door, paid staff probably didn't know about it.
1996-1997: The union at WBAI, the United Electrical Workers (UE), refused to submit to Scott's order to kick the unpaid staff from the union. While the WBAI/UE fought all the way up to the NLRB for inclusion of the unpaid staff in the bargaining unit - and even initially were victorious at the New York level (Feb. 1997) - KPFA paid staff knuckled under to Scott and left the UE and joined the CWA (Communication Workers of America), breaking solidarity with their sister union members in New York, and as well as with KPFA's unpaid staff who they unceremoniously booted out.
So, the decision by the general manager to de-recognize the Unpaid Staff Organization was, in my opinion, essentially busting that organization - in order to further undermine the democratic governance structure - which I believe to be the goal of the current management at KPFA, since the unpaid staff organization as it is currently constituted, and in tandem with other bylaws provisions, plays a significant role at the station, especially with respect to the decision making role of the Program Council - and KPFA management has stated, on the air - that the role of the Program Council is being 'modified' or something to that effect.
I hope this was helpful,
Regards,
Joe Wanzala, Listener Representative, KPFA Local Station Board.
I join Greg Guma and Joe Wanzala in condemning anonymous attacks on IndyBay or any where else. Especially if they are not principled political criticism but attacks without facts or just plain lies.
During Mr. Guma's tenure there have been numerous anonymous slanders on IndyBay and other places, almostl exclusively attacking those that question KPFA and Pacifica management's anti-democratic practices, etc. Where was Mr. Guma's condemnation when those attacks came on IndyBay? Perhaps the fact that Mr. Gums has openly stated that he is not a fan of democratic process for KPFA and Pacifica makes that clear.
If you don't want democracy then you have some form of top down governance that ultimately digresses into patronage and cronyism as has KPFA and Pacifica, regardless or the "best intentions" to have an "enlightened" non-democratic leadership, unsuccessfully hidden by the thin veneer of democratic rhetoric. You hear it during every fund drive "its your station" when they want your $$$$, until you want some answers or some changes. Then you become "self-appointed guardian's with too much time on your hands" Max Pringle, KPFA staff, April 2004 at the LSB meeting discussing the desire of the listeners to move Democracy Now! to prime time.
I also agree with Joe 100% on the work and right to be represented issues. I disagree with Joe's unnecessary broad praise for Mr. Guma, but that is Joe's style, regardless of its accuracy. My reasons for this disagreement will be clear with some following posts on this topic.
Richard Phelps
KPFA Listener Representative, who consistently represents our listeners that support the station and the Foundation with their hard earned money, as opposed to Sarv Randhawa, Rosalinda Palacios (she has missed the last 6 meetings, in the near future I will tell all why if she doesn't step up and be accountable), Sherry Gendleman, Phoebe Anne and Annie Hallatt, who almost always vote with management, against democratic process, transparency and accountability.
During Mr. Guma's tenure there have been numerous anonymous slanders on IndyBay and other places, almostl exclusively attacking those that question KPFA and Pacifica management's anti-democratic practices, etc. Where was Mr. Guma's condemnation when those attacks came on IndyBay? Perhaps the fact that Mr. Gums has openly stated that he is not a fan of democratic process for KPFA and Pacifica makes that clear.
If you don't want democracy then you have some form of top down governance that ultimately digresses into patronage and cronyism as has KPFA and Pacifica, regardless or the "best intentions" to have an "enlightened" non-democratic leadership, unsuccessfully hidden by the thin veneer of democratic rhetoric. You hear it during every fund drive "its your station" when they want your $$$$, until you want some answers or some changes. Then you become "self-appointed guardian's with too much time on your hands" Max Pringle, KPFA staff, April 2004 at the LSB meeting discussing the desire of the listeners to move Democracy Now! to prime time.
I also agree with Joe 100% on the work and right to be represented issues. I disagree with Joe's unnecessary broad praise for Mr. Guma, but that is Joe's style, regardless of its accuracy. My reasons for this disagreement will be clear with some following posts on this topic.
Richard Phelps
KPFA Listener Representative, who consistently represents our listeners that support the station and the Foundation with their hard earned money, as opposed to Sarv Randhawa, Rosalinda Palacios (she has missed the last 6 meetings, in the near future I will tell all why if she doesn't step up and be accountable), Sherry Gendleman, Phoebe Anne and Annie Hallatt, who almost always vote with management, against democratic process, transparency and accountability.
Below is Mr. Guma's comment on the 2006 election. I am going to contrast it with some facts that most of you don't know and then see if you agree with his "administrative" point of view on the election versus my "fair inclusive democracy" point of view. If you run into him ask him why he forgot to mention the problems at WPFW???? With regard to this year so far you will see my comments interjected below.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
8) ELECTIONS: In 2006, Pacifica had successful elections. There were flaws and criticism, but I say that they were successful because (a) the cost was reduced, (b) more of the process was handled in-house, (c) turnout slightly increased, and (d) no major complaints were filed. This year, the elections are off to a solid start with an increased number of candidates, a strong National Election Supervisor, and a clear, public outline of the deadlines and rules.
RP: What is he smoking? There has been almost NO election activity at KPFA. We are on our second Local Election Supervisor, I learned the first ones name when I learned of the second one who I know nothing about and have not had a chance to meet and I haven't heard of a single public meeting yet for candidates with the cutoff three weeks away!!! The station was late in putting election info on the air and there is a major struggle Foundation wide over accountability regarding unpaid staff lists, who gets to vote.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Here is an article I wrote in 2006 near the end of the election, with a few changes.
A TALE OF TWO ELECTIONS
Ohio & Florida, NO, KPFA 04 & 06
In the current election we have had no candidate cart plays until more than a week after the ballots were out and 778 ballots were picked up at the post office. How many others were in the mail or filled out and ready to mail before the carts got played, we will never know. What we do know is that Lemlem Rijio, Interim GM, and member of the strategy group that was discussing “dismantling the LSB” last year, refused to run any election candidate carts or information from October 3 to October 19 (go to http://www.peoplesradio.net to see the e-mail exposing their anti-democratic position and more). After that she refused to allow staff to prepare the carts for broadcast for several more days. This may not seem to effect the out come one way or the other until you realize that Concerned Listeners sent out a large mailing to arrive with the ballots. The money for this mailer was partially raised at a CL fundraiser supported and attended by the “entrenched” staff. This combined with the election “gag” rule imposed by the IGM tilts the playing field decidedly in the Concerned Listeners favor. Please note that other members of the “dismantling the LSB” strategy group, Brian Edward-Tiekert, Bonnie Simmons, Rain Geesler and Sherry Gendelman have endorsed the Concerned Listener Slate and Sasha Lilley and her mother helped put the CL slate together and get the Wellstone endorsement. Is this the kind of elections you want at KPFA and Pacifica???
Let’s take a trip back to the 2004 election. Remember the ballots arriving very late, weeks late, to the Bay Area? If you think this was an accident let me give you a fact that may change your mind. KPFAForward was the entrenched staff slate during that election. They still have that web site but since they lost that election so badly to Peoplesradio, who elected its members to 6 of the 9 available seats, they obviously felt they needed a new image, Concerned Listeners. Peopleradio had its website up in August 2004 and its endorsers together and was out at all major KPFA and other political events. KPFAForward DIDN’T get its web site up until October 14, 2004 the day before the ballots were to be mailed. If you want to check this go to whois.net and run KPFAForward.org. You will see the beginning date of October 14, 2004 and the owner Mark Hernandez a CL slate member. The Executive Director at that time, who hired the National Election Supervisor, was Dan Coughlin, a close ally of the KPFA entrenched staff.
All of a sudden the Bay Area ballots were delayed several weeks. They were not mailed when the others were. Why? Who benefited from that delay? The entrenched staff slate. They now had time to get their endorsements together and get their materials and e-mails out telling people to see their now operative web site, for several weeks before the ballots arrived. They couldn’t do that this time given that the current NES, Les Radke, would not allow such tactics. So this time they obtained an advantage the old fashioned way, get station management, who they are in collusion with, to shut down the election coverage on the air, making the Concerned Listener mailing much more effective in the vacuum. Sarv Randhawa, Mary Berg and Rosalinda Palacios who all regularly support the entrenched on the LSB and PNB, Mary somewhat less than the other two, all voted to gut a motion that was passed by the PNB Election Committee 10-2. It would have required election info and candidate carts to be played during September, October and November until the ballot deadline. There would have been no election GAG on KPFA air and thus a reduced advantage for the Concerned Listener mailer.
As I said to the PNB at their September meeting in Walnut Creek, “What is the point of having an election if you are going to hide it”
Richard Phelps
Chair, KPFA LSB (for identification only) labor donated 10-28-06.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Additionally, there were major problems at WPFW in D.C. no cooperation by Management in publicizing the election such that at the cutoff date they had almost no candidates and had to extend the time and threaten Management with severe consequences if they didn't cooperate. At WBAI there was the usual struggle about unpaid staff lists and who gets to vote. Never resolved and continuing.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Now you can decide if this is the kind of leadership, you want from a manager, IGM Lemlem Rijio, at a "Free Speech" radio station that is running on your donations? Mr. Guma thinks this is good management and I and many others don't, which side are you on?
Is having the trains run on time etc. the essence of good management or does Transparency, Democratic Process, Accountability and Due Process have a place in the picture? To me they are required not just desired or given lip service. If you vote for Concerned Listener candidates you will get more of the same with power and patronage and cronyism coming before Principles and the Mission.
Richard Phelps
KPFA Listener Representative
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
8) ELECTIONS: In 2006, Pacifica had successful elections. There were flaws and criticism, but I say that they were successful because (a) the cost was reduced, (b) more of the process was handled in-house, (c) turnout slightly increased, and (d) no major complaints were filed. This year, the elections are off to a solid start with an increased number of candidates, a strong National Election Supervisor, and a clear, public outline of the deadlines and rules.
RP: What is he smoking? There has been almost NO election activity at KPFA. We are on our second Local Election Supervisor, I learned the first ones name when I learned of the second one who I know nothing about and have not had a chance to meet and I haven't heard of a single public meeting yet for candidates with the cutoff three weeks away!!! The station was late in putting election info on the air and there is a major struggle Foundation wide over accountability regarding unpaid staff lists, who gets to vote.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Here is an article I wrote in 2006 near the end of the election, with a few changes.
A TALE OF TWO ELECTIONS
Ohio & Florida, NO, KPFA 04 & 06
In the current election we have had no candidate cart plays until more than a week after the ballots were out and 778 ballots were picked up at the post office. How many others were in the mail or filled out and ready to mail before the carts got played, we will never know. What we do know is that Lemlem Rijio, Interim GM, and member of the strategy group that was discussing “dismantling the LSB” last year, refused to run any election candidate carts or information from October 3 to October 19 (go to http://www.peoplesradio.net to see the e-mail exposing their anti-democratic position and more). After that she refused to allow staff to prepare the carts for broadcast for several more days. This may not seem to effect the out come one way or the other until you realize that Concerned Listeners sent out a large mailing to arrive with the ballots. The money for this mailer was partially raised at a CL fundraiser supported and attended by the “entrenched” staff. This combined with the election “gag” rule imposed by the IGM tilts the playing field decidedly in the Concerned Listeners favor. Please note that other members of the “dismantling the LSB” strategy group, Brian Edward-Tiekert, Bonnie Simmons, Rain Geesler and Sherry Gendelman have endorsed the Concerned Listener Slate and Sasha Lilley and her mother helped put the CL slate together and get the Wellstone endorsement. Is this the kind of elections you want at KPFA and Pacifica???
Let’s take a trip back to the 2004 election. Remember the ballots arriving very late, weeks late, to the Bay Area? If you think this was an accident let me give you a fact that may change your mind. KPFAForward was the entrenched staff slate during that election. They still have that web site but since they lost that election so badly to Peoplesradio, who elected its members to 6 of the 9 available seats, they obviously felt they needed a new image, Concerned Listeners. Peopleradio had its website up in August 2004 and its endorsers together and was out at all major KPFA and other political events. KPFAForward DIDN’T get its web site up until October 14, 2004 the day before the ballots were to be mailed. If you want to check this go to whois.net and run KPFAForward.org. You will see the beginning date of October 14, 2004 and the owner Mark Hernandez a CL slate member. The Executive Director at that time, who hired the National Election Supervisor, was Dan Coughlin, a close ally of the KPFA entrenched staff.
All of a sudden the Bay Area ballots were delayed several weeks. They were not mailed when the others were. Why? Who benefited from that delay? The entrenched staff slate. They now had time to get their endorsements together and get their materials and e-mails out telling people to see their now operative web site, for several weeks before the ballots arrived. They couldn’t do that this time given that the current NES, Les Radke, would not allow such tactics. So this time they obtained an advantage the old fashioned way, get station management, who they are in collusion with, to shut down the election coverage on the air, making the Concerned Listener mailing much more effective in the vacuum. Sarv Randhawa, Mary Berg and Rosalinda Palacios who all regularly support the entrenched on the LSB and PNB, Mary somewhat less than the other two, all voted to gut a motion that was passed by the PNB Election Committee 10-2. It would have required election info and candidate carts to be played during September, October and November until the ballot deadline. There would have been no election GAG on KPFA air and thus a reduced advantage for the Concerned Listener mailer.
As I said to the PNB at their September meeting in Walnut Creek, “What is the point of having an election if you are going to hide it”
Richard Phelps
Chair, KPFA LSB (for identification only) labor donated 10-28-06.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Additionally, there were major problems at WPFW in D.C. no cooperation by Management in publicizing the election such that at the cutoff date they had almost no candidates and had to extend the time and threaten Management with severe consequences if they didn't cooperate. At WBAI there was the usual struggle about unpaid staff lists and who gets to vote. Never resolved and continuing.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Now you can decide if this is the kind of leadership, you want from a manager, IGM Lemlem Rijio, at a "Free Speech" radio station that is running on your donations? Mr. Guma thinks this is good management and I and many others don't, which side are you on?
Is having the trains run on time etc. the essence of good management or does Transparency, Democratic Process, Accountability and Due Process have a place in the picture? To me they are required not just desired or given lip service. If you vote for Concerned Listener candidates you will get more of the same with power and patronage and cronyism coming before Principles and the Mission.
Richard Phelps
KPFA Listener Representative
I usually think that all posts should include someone's real name . But there is one good reason to submit anonymous posts . Fear of being fired . Bosses don't like being criticized . Any Bosses. Several KPFA staff members have told me things that they insisted remain confidential . I asked why and they said because they were afraid of retailation . Is that fear legitimate ? I don't know .I don't work at KPFA. But i do know there is precious little freedom of speech in America's workplaces . Including Non profits .
T.Gomez, I agree with your post in so much as not only would staff members risk angering management, they would doubly anger those who think they are management, ie, Richard Phelps & Co. In addition to risking slanderous attack by this proven blowhard, heaven help them when he starts rifling their employment files under the guise of "inspection."
I have always signed my name, yet Mr. Phelps has in the past accused me of being "anonymous" because, apparently, he doesn't know me personally so therefore I don't exist in his narrow world.
Sue Mei
I have always signed my name, yet Mr. Phelps has in the past accused me of being "anonymous" because, apparently, he doesn't know me personally so therefore I don't exist in his narrow world.
Sue Mei
RP: Whistleblowers do have to worry at work sometimes and thus the need for anonymity. So I also agree with T. Gomez's point. However, the overwhelming number of anonymous posts are personal attacks such as this one by Sue Mei.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
T.Gomez, I agree with your post in so much as not only would staff members risk angering management, they would doubly anger those who think they are management, ie, Richard Phelps & Co. In addition to risking slanderous attack by this proven blowhard, heaven help them when he starts rifling their employment files under the guise of "inspection."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RP: I post two factual and historically accurate responses to the original post and what does Sue Mei respond with? Facts to disagree with my posts? NO! Just name calling and personal attacks. I challenge Sue Mei to produce any evidence that I have ever slandered anyone.
RP: Sui Mei, your post seems to prove the concept of "projection". You are accusing me of just what you are doing. And you have no facts to support your personal attacks and you do not present ONE FACT to challenge what I posted. Your entire purpose is to take a political discussion and direct peoples attention away from the truth, which you and your allies, who want patronage and cronyism, instead of democracy and transparency at KPFA and Pacifica, can't deal with. That's right "you can't handle the truth". That is why you never deal with facts, just personal attacks.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have always signed my name, yet Mr. Phelps has in the past accused me of being "anonymous" because, apparently, he doesn't know me personally so therefore I don't exist in his narrow world.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RP: Why should I want to know someone who in response to a reasoned political statement comes back with nothing but PERSONAL ATTACKS. If that is your real name come out and debate the issues about KPFA/Pacifica in public sometime.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sue Mei
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
T.Gomez, I agree with your post in so much as not only would staff members risk angering management, they would doubly anger those who think they are management, ie, Richard Phelps & Co. In addition to risking slanderous attack by this proven blowhard, heaven help them when he starts rifling their employment files under the guise of "inspection."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RP: I post two factual and historically accurate responses to the original post and what does Sue Mei respond with? Facts to disagree with my posts? NO! Just name calling and personal attacks. I challenge Sue Mei to produce any evidence that I have ever slandered anyone.
RP: Sui Mei, your post seems to prove the concept of "projection". You are accusing me of just what you are doing. And you have no facts to support your personal attacks and you do not present ONE FACT to challenge what I posted. Your entire purpose is to take a political discussion and direct peoples attention away from the truth, which you and your allies, who want patronage and cronyism, instead of democracy and transparency at KPFA and Pacifica, can't deal with. That's right "you can't handle the truth". That is why you never deal with facts, just personal attacks.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have always signed my name, yet Mr. Phelps has in the past accused me of being "anonymous" because, apparently, he doesn't know me personally so therefore I don't exist in his narrow world.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RP: Why should I want to know someone who in response to a reasoned political statement comes back with nothing but PERSONAL ATTACKS. If that is your real name come out and debate the issues about KPFA/Pacifica in public sometime.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sue Mei
Greg Guma who has lauded the good work of Lemlem Rijio obviously feels that she has
made the right decision in de-recognizing the Unpaid Staff Organization. He had been informed
previously about the failure of UPSO to meet and the role of management to thwart
the democratic rights of the staff. His effort now to whitewash these moves by Rijio puts him in complicity with them.
http://www.kpfalaborcommunity.net/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=51
SFLC Executive Board Discusses Resolution On KPFA Unpaid Staff Organization
SFLC Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2007 Page 2 of 5
New Business
KPFA: Unpaid Staff Organization
Mark Loy introduced Anthony Fest, a journalist at KPFA. Fest explained that
KPFA has about 200 unpaid workers and 60 FTE equivalent workers, who are
organized with CWA-NABET. He said the unpaid worker shave been a part of the
Unpaid Staff Organization. However, a board member recently sent out a memo
to dissolve the organization, saying it did recognize I any long because it
had not met for several months. Fest said KPFA has an interim management
that seems intent on moving KPFA to the right and getting rid of democratic
institutions. He said the timing of this memo was suspect because it came
right when the Unpaid Staff Organization was in the middle of an election
for new representatives. He said this "de-recognition" was done without
warning or prior communication. Fest said the newly elected board for the
Unpaid Staff Organization has high ambitions for what it can do for unpaid
staff. For example, they want to look into buying into the healthcare plan
of paid members to get a good rate through the larger pool. They also want
to establish a real grievance process.
Fest noted the election for the current board of KFPA is coming up in
October and explained three quarters of the board are elected by listeners
and one quarter by the saff (both paid and unpaid). He said this
"de-recognition" will make it harder for unpaid staff to vote in this
election and he believes management would rather have fewer staff voting.
Larry Mazzola Sr. asked if there was tension between the paid and unpaid
staff and Fest replied there was not. FX asked what the budget was and Fest
answered it was $4 million. Crowley asked why they didn’t withhold their
labor and Fest said that there wasn’t the unity for that. Tim Paulson noted
since this memo has gone out the KPFA Board has voted 13:0 to ask for the
withdrawal of this memo. He asked what Fest would like the SFLC to do and
Fest replied he would like people to send a letter of support for the Unpaid
Staff Organization and he had a sample letter there.
Allan Fisher moved for the SFLC to endorse the Unpaid Staff Organization of
KPFA and send a letter to management in support of recognizing the
organization. The motion was seconded.
Mike Hardeman asked what the Alameda CLC did and what CWA-NABET thinks of
this issue. F.X. Crowley expressed some concern about endorsing an
organization for unpaid workers when generally what the SFLC does is support
paid, union workers. Mike Casey said that although they are unpaid, what
they are fighting for is a voice at work for collective action and to
address problems on the job and this is consistent with SFLC policy.
Mike Theriault made an alternative motion to distribute the letter to the
SFLC meeting and leave it up to the delegates to decide whether to send the
letter.
Alan Benjamin said he thinks it would be important to add the SFLC’s weight,
but only after clearance from NABET. He suggested an amendment to
Theriault’s motion to add sending a letter form the SFLC if cleared with
NABET. Theriault accepted the amendment.
Alan Fisher withdrew his original motion.
It was m/s/c to send a letter in support of recognition of the Unpaid Staff
Organization to the KPFA board if cleared by NABET and to report on this
issue to the delegates at the next SFLC meeting and distribute the sample
letter.
made the right decision in de-recognizing the Unpaid Staff Organization. He had been informed
previously about the failure of UPSO to meet and the role of management to thwart
the democratic rights of the staff. His effort now to whitewash these moves by Rijio puts him in complicity with them.
http://www.kpfalaborcommunity.net/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=51
SFLC Executive Board Discusses Resolution On KPFA Unpaid Staff Organization
SFLC Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
September 4, 2007 Page 2 of 5
New Business
KPFA: Unpaid Staff Organization
Mark Loy introduced Anthony Fest, a journalist at KPFA. Fest explained that
KPFA has about 200 unpaid workers and 60 FTE equivalent workers, who are
organized with CWA-NABET. He said the unpaid worker shave been a part of the
Unpaid Staff Organization. However, a board member recently sent out a memo
to dissolve the organization, saying it did recognize I any long because it
had not met for several months. Fest said KPFA has an interim management
that seems intent on moving KPFA to the right and getting rid of democratic
institutions. He said the timing of this memo was suspect because it came
right when the Unpaid Staff Organization was in the middle of an election
for new representatives. He said this "de-recognition" was done without
warning or prior communication. Fest said the newly elected board for the
Unpaid Staff Organization has high ambitions for what it can do for unpaid
staff. For example, they want to look into buying into the healthcare plan
of paid members to get a good rate through the larger pool. They also want
to establish a real grievance process.
Fest noted the election for the current board of KFPA is coming up in
October and explained three quarters of the board are elected by listeners
and one quarter by the saff (both paid and unpaid). He said this
"de-recognition" will make it harder for unpaid staff to vote in this
election and he believes management would rather have fewer staff voting.
Larry Mazzola Sr. asked if there was tension between the paid and unpaid
staff and Fest replied there was not. FX asked what the budget was and Fest
answered it was $4 million. Crowley asked why they didn’t withhold their
labor and Fest said that there wasn’t the unity for that. Tim Paulson noted
since this memo has gone out the KPFA Board has voted 13:0 to ask for the
withdrawal of this memo. He asked what Fest would like the SFLC to do and
Fest replied he would like people to send a letter of support for the Unpaid
Staff Organization and he had a sample letter there.
Allan Fisher moved for the SFLC to endorse the Unpaid Staff Organization of
KPFA and send a letter to management in support of recognizing the
organization. The motion was seconded.
Mike Hardeman asked what the Alameda CLC did and what CWA-NABET thinks of
this issue. F.X. Crowley expressed some concern about endorsing an
organization for unpaid workers when generally what the SFLC does is support
paid, union workers. Mike Casey said that although they are unpaid, what
they are fighting for is a voice at work for collective action and to
address problems on the job and this is consistent with SFLC policy.
Mike Theriault made an alternative motion to distribute the letter to the
SFLC meeting and leave it up to the delegates to decide whether to send the
letter.
Alan Benjamin said he thinks it would be important to add the SFLC’s weight,
but only after clearance from NABET. He suggested an amendment to
Theriault’s motion to add sending a letter form the SFLC if cleared with
NABET. Theriault accepted the amendment.
Alan Fisher withdrew his original motion.
It was m/s/c to send a letter in support of recognition of the Unpaid Staff
Organization to the KPFA board if cleared by NABET and to report on this
issue to the delegates at the next SFLC meeting and distribute the sample
letter.
For more information:
http://www.kpfalaborcommunity.net/index.ph...
Sue Mei's personal attacks are a valid reason to remain anonymous
Greg Guma entered into a difficult situation and
attempted to build the Pacifica network.
But the situation indeed is one which needed
"house cleaning".
What is preventing progress at Pacifica and its
5 stations are illegitimate hierarchies at stations
at a network which is supposed to be governed
democratically.
For example, Mr. Guma did wonderful work in
setting up national programming, but not all stations
made full or appropriate use of these resources, due
to turf considerations. The hosted strip programming
instituted in the '90s made it difficult in some cases
to find time slots whose hosts would give up time
for programming other than their own.
Turf, power relationships, and strip programming
would all need to be addressed for worthy national
programming to be effectively aired.
The power monopoly at WBAI in New York by Bernard
White and his supporting clique, the JUC, have led
to the devastation of that station, as popular quality
programmers like Robert Knight and Gary Null have
been fired for criticism of the White/Rojas regime,
thereby losing listener supporters. Station resources
have been stolen, an oppressive and violent workplace
and LSB environments maintained.
This also resulted in the other stations having to support
WBAI monetarily, while JUC influence spread to the Pacifica
National Board to its detriment.
Sad to say, two KPFA reps to the PNB, Rosalinda Palacios
and Sarv Randhawa of the "Concerned Listeners" group,
were among those who aligned with the JUC there, even
voting against the will of their LSB on at least one issue.
WBAI clearly needs a helping hand from the National
sector, and intervening in out of control situations at
the stations is definitely within their purview and that of
the Executive Director, I would think, but this
opportunity was missed.
The oppressive and dishonest General Manager at KPFK
recently quit, but her leaving was preceded by a letter of
support by Greg Guma. You can read this on IndyBay at
[give URL], followed by another letter in the Comments
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/29/18444560.php
which gives a more realistic view of who she is and what
she's done.
She was being pushed for Executive Director when that
selection was being made at the PNB, when members
of People's Radio KPFA advocated, against much resistance,
examining her personnel record at KPFK.
At KPFA the struggle is between those who want a
democratically governed station as the bylaws mandate,
and those who do not accept the role of the democratically
elected Local Station Board. The latter small clique motivated
largely by "entrenched staff" has been favored by Mr. Guma
with the selection of one of them, Lemlem Rijio, as interim
General Manager. She actually did foster a certain unity at KPFA
when there was an unforseen common reaction to her
attempting to delegitimize the UPSO, which was protested by
the LSB 15 to 0, with only the most hardcore 5 of the antidemocracy
faction"abstaining"! She is the one Mr. Guma is praising as
de-escalating the situation at KPFA.
(Meanwhile, another member of this group, Sasha Lilley, is the
interim Program Director who along with the iGM has attempted
to disempower the Program Council, and punish a long time activist
programmer, Miguel Molina, when he advocated attendance at an
anti-war rally, while 3 network lawyers asserted that the station bore
no liability for such advocacy.)
Pacifica needs an ED who is willing to address questions of
illegitimate and oppressive situations of power dominance at
Pacifica's stations. This is a tough job and probably no ED can
last long in such a situation.
In fact, I believe Mr. Guma, though he did not "clean house",
was nevertheless seen as a threat by the entrenched, and
possibly pushed out by them and their witting and unwitting
allies.
What can a listener do? Station elections are coming up in
October and listeners have a chance to vote for pro-democracy
representatives for their station Local Station Boards, such as
those of the Peoples Radio slate, and against those who support
entrenched staff positions. Each LSB then elects 4
representatives to the Pacifica National Board, helping
to determine the effectiveness of its governance.
That the selection of LSB reps is critical is seen in this
example: the PNB has the power and duty to oversee financial
affairs at Pacifica and the 5 stations. When 2 reps (called
Directors) on the Finance Committee [including the Treasurer?]
tried to inspect the financial records of WBAI and Pacifica
(as a start to inspect all stations' books), they were denied
access to them by the management,
even though the Bylaws specify this as an absolute right!
There was a protracted struggle about this at the PNB
with much opposition from the PNB members - including
our own Sarv Randhawa! The directors were voting against
transparency in Pacifica and station governance - open
books - and had to be threatened with legal action before
they would agree!
In fact, even after this, when they tried to inspect Pacifica's
books at their office in Berkeley, some KPFA staff attempted
to harass and block them!
Transparency and accountability are 2 of the pillars of
democracy - but your reps were voting against their financial
responsibility as board members!
It was 2 members of People's Radio (and another Director
from WBAI), by the way, who persisted in this struggle and won.
We progressives benefit from democracy.
We do not give up in the face of discouraging situations. We
educate ourselves, even if the facts seem grim. With knowledge
we are equipped to create a better world. This is the reason for
the existence of Pacifica, and it is just as valid on the most
local of levels.
Our stations advocate for justice and democracy; can we
advocate this also for our station and network?
attempted to build the Pacifica network.
But the situation indeed is one which needed
"house cleaning".
What is preventing progress at Pacifica and its
5 stations are illegitimate hierarchies at stations
at a network which is supposed to be governed
democratically.
For example, Mr. Guma did wonderful work in
setting up national programming, but not all stations
made full or appropriate use of these resources, due
to turf considerations. The hosted strip programming
instituted in the '90s made it difficult in some cases
to find time slots whose hosts would give up time
for programming other than their own.
Turf, power relationships, and strip programming
would all need to be addressed for worthy national
programming to be effectively aired.
The power monopoly at WBAI in New York by Bernard
White and his supporting clique, the JUC, have led
to the devastation of that station, as popular quality
programmers like Robert Knight and Gary Null have
been fired for criticism of the White/Rojas regime,
thereby losing listener supporters. Station resources
have been stolen, an oppressive and violent workplace
and LSB environments maintained.
This also resulted in the other stations having to support
WBAI monetarily, while JUC influence spread to the Pacifica
National Board to its detriment.
Sad to say, two KPFA reps to the PNB, Rosalinda Palacios
and Sarv Randhawa of the "Concerned Listeners" group,
were among those who aligned with the JUC there, even
voting against the will of their LSB on at least one issue.
WBAI clearly needs a helping hand from the National
sector, and intervening in out of control situations at
the stations is definitely within their purview and that of
the Executive Director, I would think, but this
opportunity was missed.
The oppressive and dishonest General Manager at KPFK
recently quit, but her leaving was preceded by a letter of
support by Greg Guma. You can read this on IndyBay at
[give URL], followed by another letter in the Comments
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/29/18444560.php
which gives a more realistic view of who she is and what
she's done.
She was being pushed for Executive Director when that
selection was being made at the PNB, when members
of People's Radio KPFA advocated, against much resistance,
examining her personnel record at KPFK.
At KPFA the struggle is between those who want a
democratically governed station as the bylaws mandate,
and those who do not accept the role of the democratically
elected Local Station Board. The latter small clique motivated
largely by "entrenched staff" has been favored by Mr. Guma
with the selection of one of them, Lemlem Rijio, as interim
General Manager. She actually did foster a certain unity at KPFA
when there was an unforseen common reaction to her
attempting to delegitimize the UPSO, which was protested by
the LSB 15 to 0, with only the most hardcore 5 of the antidemocracy
faction"abstaining"! She is the one Mr. Guma is praising as
de-escalating the situation at KPFA.
(Meanwhile, another member of this group, Sasha Lilley, is the
interim Program Director who along with the iGM has attempted
to disempower the Program Council, and punish a long time activist
programmer, Miguel Molina, when he advocated attendance at an
anti-war rally, while 3 network lawyers asserted that the station bore
no liability for such advocacy.)
Pacifica needs an ED who is willing to address questions of
illegitimate and oppressive situations of power dominance at
Pacifica's stations. This is a tough job and probably no ED can
last long in such a situation.
In fact, I believe Mr. Guma, though he did not "clean house",
was nevertheless seen as a threat by the entrenched, and
possibly pushed out by them and their witting and unwitting
allies.
What can a listener do? Station elections are coming up in
October and listeners have a chance to vote for pro-democracy
representatives for their station Local Station Boards, such as
those of the Peoples Radio slate, and against those who support
entrenched staff positions. Each LSB then elects 4
representatives to the Pacifica National Board, helping
to determine the effectiveness of its governance.
That the selection of LSB reps is critical is seen in this
example: the PNB has the power and duty to oversee financial
affairs at Pacifica and the 5 stations. When 2 reps (called
Directors) on the Finance Committee [including the Treasurer?]
tried to inspect the financial records of WBAI and Pacifica
(as a start to inspect all stations' books), they were denied
access to them by the management,
even though the Bylaws specify this as an absolute right!
There was a protracted struggle about this at the PNB
with much opposition from the PNB members - including
our own Sarv Randhawa! The directors were voting against
transparency in Pacifica and station governance - open
books - and had to be threatened with legal action before
they would agree!
In fact, even after this, when they tried to inspect Pacifica's
books at their office in Berkeley, some KPFA staff attempted
to harass and block them!
Transparency and accountability are 2 of the pillars of
democracy - but your reps were voting against their financial
responsibility as board members!
It was 2 members of People's Radio (and another Director
from WBAI), by the way, who persisted in this struggle and won.
We progressives benefit from democracy.
We do not give up in the face of discouraging situations. We
educate ourselves, even if the facts seem grim. With knowledge
we are equipped to create a better world. This is the reason for
the existence of Pacifica, and it is just as valid on the most
local of levels.
Our stations advocate for justice and democracy; can we
advocate this also for our station and network?
Everyone concerned about the future of Pacifica should attend the Pacifica National Board meeting this weekend . It will be held at The Hilton at the Emeryville Marina . See our representatives in action ! Who will replace the (pushed out ) Greg Guma ? Will the ''Justice and Unity'' crew out of New York City dominate the meeting ? (As they always attempt to do ) How will our KPFA representatives vote on important isssues ? Will candidates from our rival slates in the KPFA board election attend, observe, and speak during public comment sessions ? Who on the PNB really care about our mission of fostering Social change and who doesn't ? Come and see for your self .
I have been informed that the PNB meeting will be held at the Berkeley Doubletree Hotel in the Berkeley Marina , not in Emeryville .
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