KKFI Staff Becomes Recognized Bargaining Unit in CWA Local 6360

We are excited to announce that following signature verification, management at KKFI 90.1 FM has agreed to voluntarily recognize The Staff as a bargaining unit of Communications Workers of America Local 6360. We are excited to have them as members of this local and bargaining proposals have been sent out to the unit. Below you can read the open letter provided by The Staff of KKFI.

We, the staff of KKFI, would like to make you aware of our intent to organize with Communications Workers of America Local 6360. This is the same union the employees of KCUR have selected to represent them.

Our station has always been a beacon of independence, diversity, and community engagement. In alignment with our mission and philosophy statements, we believe that unionizing is the best path forward to ensure that KKFI continues to thrive and uphold its core values.

Our Mission and Philosophy

KKFI’s mission is to stimulate, educate, and entertain our audience while reflecting the diversity of both the local and global community; and our philosophy stresses the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among volunteers and staff.

Why We Are Unionizing

There are many considerations that led us to this decision. Some of the most significant are: 

• Executive Director - The staff is currently managed by the board; which changes frequently and does not provide consistent leadership. An executive director will assist in setting the organization’s strategic direction, act as a bridge between the board and staff, and provide the leadership and direction necessary to navigate the challenges of day-to-day operations. We believe the addition of this role will be beneficial to both staff and the board.

• Decision-Making - By establishing work rules that ensure accountability to include staff in decision-making, we can keep our organization vibrant and true to its mission.

• Grievance Process - A formal grievance process is essential for maintaining a respectful and collaborative work environment. It provides a structured way to address concerns and conflicts between staff and management; which will emphasize fairness and transparency. This also aligns with our philosophy statement.

As a result of our organizing, these and other issues affecting the workplace will be negotiated and formalized in a collective bargaining agreement.

Objectives

Unionizing will strengthen KKFI’s ability to fulfill its mission. By fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment, we can enhance our programming and better serve our community. A united staff, with a clear voice in the workplace, will be more motivated and committed to producing the diverse and engaging content that defines KKFI for years to come.

In Conclusion

In addition to our donors and listeners, we value the contributions of our volunteers – including the board, active members and programmers. You are instrumental in making KKFI the unique and cherished institution it is today. We believe that unionizing is a positive step toward ensuring that KKFI remains a strong, independent voice in our community. We look forward to working together in this new chapter, continuing to uphold our mission and philosophy with renewed vigor and solidarity – and we hope that you will support our efforts.

Sincerely,

The Staff of KKFI