Union Supporters Join WGME Workers for Informational Picket in Portland, Contract Extended

PHOTO: IATSE 114 members supporting WGME workers on Monday. Photo by David Hill

On Monday, union members from all over Southern Maine joined WGME workers, members of IBEW Local 1837 at WGME-TV (CBS 13), for an informational picket to call on the Sinclair Broadcast Group to raise wages for production staff. The union includes Photographers, News Producers, Directors, News Editors, Assignment Editors, Operating Technicians, Maintenance Engineers, and Creative Producers who have been fighting for a fair contract since last fall. The workers braved very cold weather to raise public awareness about their contract fight.

"It was one of the coldest pickets yet, but our members remain fired up and steadfast in their commitment to securing a contract that allows them to continue working and living in the communities they serve with quality journalism," said IBEW 1837 Business Representative Kaitlyn Hegarty.

She said IBEW 1837 and WGME management have agreed to extend their current contract through April 4 and that the company has committed to returning to Portland to continue bargaining with the workers.

"We will use this month to push as hard as we can to win the fair contract these dedicated workers deserve," said Hegarty. "We are incredibly grateful to our union brothers and sisters from across southern Maine who stood outside with us in the bitter temperatures to show their support. The solidarity of the labor movement is powerful, and together, we will win.”