Metro-Shadow Employees Vote For a Voice at Work With AFTRA

Metro-Shadow Employees Vote For a Voice at Work With AFTRA

PHILADELPHIA, June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 42 producers and announcers at Metro-Shadow broadcasting, also known as "Shadow Traffic" a division of Westwood One, voted overwhelmingly last night for a voice at work by forming a union with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, a national labor union of over 70,000 actors, singers and recording artists, dancers, announcers and other broadcast talent performers, journalists, and other artists working in the entertainment and news media.

"We're very excited we can now have a voice in an industry that is changing every day," says Rod Carson, a Metro-Shadow employee who voted to join with AFTRA. "Obviously economics are important but the real issue as professionals is having a say in the product that is put on the air. Standing together as AFTRA members will make a big difference in our jobs."

"The people who entertain and inform America are happy to welcome the broadcasters at Shadow Traffic as part of the growing AFTRA family," said AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon. "We're moving forward together to provide the public with the information and entertainment they need--and also achieve fair wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions."

"Having a voice through AFTRA is going to really change, in a positive way, the way Metro-Shadow does business. AFTRA members are looking forward to working with management on a contract similar to those in the other top markets where AFTRA members also have a voice at work, including New York, Boston, and Washington," said Dan Hunt, AFTRA Philadelphia Local Vice President.

Metro-Shadow has provided broadcast traffic reports in the Philadelphia area and beyond for more than 20 years. The announcers can be heard on KYW, WMMR, WXTU, WIOQ, and other stations.

AFTRA Philadelphia is one of more than 30 local unions around the country.

About AFTRA

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, is a national labor union of over 70,000 actors, singers and recording artists, dancers, announcers and other broadcast talent performers, journalists, and other artists working in the entertainment and news media. With more than 30 local chapters across the country, AFTRA promotes the success and welfare of members in a variety of ways, including contract negotiation and enforcement, advocating on legislative and public policy issues, supporting equal employment opportunities, and sponsoring or supporting health and retirement benefits and programs. For more information, visit http://www.aftra.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: AFTRA Philadelphia Local

CONTACT: Stephen Leshinski of AFTRA Philadelphia Local, +1-215-732-0507

Web Site:

http://www.aftra.com/

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