posted August 15, 1997

San Francisco's Premier Spanish Speaking Television Station - "Canal 14" -- Fires Reporter for Union Activity

News Reporter "Lupita" is fired..

The Bay Area's largest Spanish speaking television station--KDTV Channel 14--took direct action against its employees for choosing to speak out in support of the union they had voted for in January, NABET-CWA (National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians - Communications Workers of America) Local 51.   KDTV is a part of the Univision network, the largest Spanish speaking network in the country.

At a demonstration and picket line in front of the station's new multi-million dollar broadcast facility held on July 24 to protest the station's failure to negotiate in a timely manner, popular news reporter, Lupita Figueiredo spoke out about their working conditions and the lack of progress in bargaining.    Lupita was fired the following Monday.

The employees, in the News and Production departments, want a voice for themselves because of unfair working conditions -- a heavy workload, part-time status for many employees which means no benefits, no job security and low pay.

Why this drastic action on the part of station manager, Marcela Medina?   For a station that prides itself on its strong community involvement - what does this say about respect for the community it serves?

Come to the rally on Friday.
August 15
2:00 pm
KDTV.
50 Fremont Street
San Francisco

For more information, call the local at 398-3160