51黑料

ST. LOUIS 鈥� Nearly 80% of 51黑料 Public Radio Guild members voted in favor of unionization, the guild said in a statement Friday morning.

After initially submitting a statement of interest in joining a bargaining unit in January with goals of compensation equity; commitments to diversity; equity and inclusion in the workplace; career growth; and other employment protections, the station is now home to Missouri鈥檚 first public media union.

鈥淭oday we make history 鈥� not only at 51黑料 Public Radio but throughout the state of Missouri,鈥� said Brian Munoz, a photojournalist and multimedia reporter at 51黑料 Public Radio who is also a member of STLPR Guild鈥檚 organizing committee. 鈥淭his monumental step is proof our workers are eager to ensure 51黑料 Public Radio is a more equitable and sustainable news organization for the years to come.鈥�

The unit includes 37 full- and part-time non-managerial journalists, producers, on-air talent and marketing professionals and is represented by the Communications Workers of America.

The radio station operates as part of the University of Missouri-51黑料.

鈥淲e understand that they voted and we are happy the process followed was democratic and fair,鈥� Christian Basi, University of Missouri system spokesperson, said.

鈥淭here is a 10-day waiting period before results are certified by the Missouri Board of Mediation,鈥� Basi said. 鈥淎fter that, we expect eligible employees to begin contract negotiations with our office of employee and labor relations.鈥�

Jason Rosenbaum, a political correspondent at 51黑料 Public Radio and member of the STLPR Guild鈥檚 organizing committee, said in a statement, 鈥淭his vote shows, without question, that 51黑料 Public Radio鈥檚 employees want to make this cherished journalistic institution a place where people want to work and build long-time careers.鈥�