Podcast Union Staffers File Complaint Against iHM

Podcast workers at iHeartMedia, who are unionized with the Writers Guild of America East, have taken a significant step by filing an unfair labor practice charge against management, According to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Background: These podcast workers have been negotiating their first union contract with iHeartMedia for two years. iHeartMedia voluntarily recognized the union in 2022. The negotiations have been contentious, with disagreements over salary, benefits, and other provisions.

The Unfair Labor Practice Charge: Filed with the National Labor Relations Board, the charge alleges that iHeartMedia has violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act.

The alleged violations include:

• Restricting protected Section 7 speech: This pertains to workers’ rights to discuss their working conditions and share union literature.
• Intimidating conduct: Management’s actions have reportedly intimidated workers.
• Interrogating employees about their support for the union: This violates their rights.

The iHeart Podcast Union: Affiliated with the Writers Guild of America East, the union represents around 100 producers, editors, researchers, and hosts. These workers contribute to popular podcasts such as “Stuff You Should Know,” “Behind the Bastards,” and “Atlanta Monster.”

Management’s Behavior: Management has allegedly removed union materials posted by workers within the workplace. Emails have discouraged workers from discussing the union or distributing information about it. The tension has even spilled into the public domain, with the union expressing frustration over management’s proposals and actions.