Board delays vote on KPFA morning-show dispute; supervisors seek negotiation and good-faith talks

The Board of Supervisors deferred action Dec. 14, 2010, on a resolution urging Pacifica Radio, the Pacifica National Board and KPFA management to enter good-faith negotiations with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and to address the suspension and layoffs affecting KPFA's morning show.

Supervisor Avalos introduced the measure as an expression of concern about the recent layoffs and the resulting disruption at KPFA, noting the station's role in local news coverage. Public comment was extensive and sharply divided: station staff and supporters, including current and former hosts and program contributors, described the morning show as KPFA's top fundraiser and argued the layoffs were handled in ways that breached union seniority provisions. Some union representatives said grievances had been filed and urged negotiated settlements. Other speakers, including station volunteers and critics, asked the Board to refrain from intervening in an internal labor and governance dispute and argued the resolution was partisan or selective.

Supervisor Avalos offered a modest amendment (removing the term "mediation" in favor of phrasing that asks parties to "work together") and colleagues agreed to continue the matter to Jan. 4, 2011, to allow additional work on language and to encourage negotiation. Sponsors said the aim was to preserve local public-media capacity and to encourage Pacifica and the union to resolve disputes quickly and avoid costly arbitration.

Ending: The Board continued the item to Jan. 4 with an amended draft urging Pacifica and union representatives to negotiate in good faith; no final vote on the resolution occurred on Dec. 14. Several supervisors said they would pursue committee review and more inclusive language prior to final action.