Local 1180 Gets 'Democracy' To Go Union

Local 1180 Gets 'Democracy' To Go Union


The staff of Pacifica Radio's popular morning show "Democracy Now!" last week became members of Local 1180 of the Communication Workers of America.

BILL HENNING: Union now. The progressive news show's employees contacted the union in June to discuss joining, and in July and August they formed a committee and began working with a Local 1180 organizer to get the other eligible employees to sign union cards. When the union contacted the show's nationally-known host Amy Goodman to tell her they had a majority signed up, Ms. Goodman agreed to recognize the union.

'A Fitting Alignment'

"Anybody who is looking for an independent voice to keep them up to date on what's happening knows Democracy Now," said Local 1180 Vice President Bill Henning. "It's only fitting that workers at Democracy Now can do the good work that they do under good working conditions."

Local 1180 has been organizing non-profits in the city for about a decade and has contracts at Human Rights Watch, Planned Parenthood, and Human Rights First. The union recently hired an organizer to expand its efforts, and DN is the first victory since they added more resources to the campaign.

Voice on the Job

DN staff first heard about Local 1180 from friends at other non-profits with union representation. The impetus to join came less from financial concerns than from a desire to have a voice in how the organization is run.

Jobs With Justice verified the cards on Oct. 15. There is some dispute about whether a couple of the workers are union-eligible, but organizer Erin Mahoney said she thought there would be about a dozen people in the bargaining unit.

The employees are now discussing and formulating their contract demands and hope to start negotiations soon.