L-A Radio: Ex-Employees Accuse SBS Of Bullying, Retaliation

Felix Castillo (LA Daily News Photo by Ed Crisostomo)

Two men who worked for one of the nation’s largest Spanish-language radio networks said Tuesday they were forced to work double shifts and denied meal breaks by the broadcaster.

According to The LA Daily News, Felix Castillo, a former on-air talent known as DJ Mr. Boro at La Raza 97.9 KLAX-FM and Mega 96.3 KXOL-FM, and Abraham Chavez, a DJ from La Raza, spoke at a community forum organized by the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA, about their experiences at the Spanish Broadcasting System Inc., known as SBS.

“These companies are pushing the envelope too far, and they are keeping the wages and working conditions too low,” Castillo said. “We are so committed to our listeners and our craft that we are willing to sleep in our cars to make ends meet and work double shifts without getting compensation.”

Castillo is among eight former SBS employees who say they were fired after joining the union.

SBS, which owns 97.9 FM and Mega 96.3 FM, became the first Spanish-language radio network in the nation to unionize after becoming a SAG-AFTRA operation in August 2016.

The SBS staff claimed they were paid less than minimum wage, denied overtime, meal breaks and reimbursements, prompting them to vote for union membership.

After the employees joined the union, SBS management allegedly began bullying and mistreating the workers. Then in March, SBS fired eight employees and threatened to terminate six additional staffers.

“I believe I was terminated in direct retaliation for participation in the union organizing and frequent presence at the negotiating table,” Castillo said. “It’s clear to me that our terminations were meant as bullying tactics.”

Now, SAG-AFTRA and SBS affected employees are demanding an investigation. The union has already filed six charges with the National Labor Relations Board for unfair labor practices.