WKBN workers stage protest

BOARDMAN — Union workers at WKBN-TV are dressing in black every Friday to protest the lack of progress in contract negotiations.

“They’re mourning the death of fairness,” said a notice issued by union employees at the station.

The protest by workers on air and behind the camera is designed to send a subtle message, said Joe Bell, news reporter and shop chairman for Local 47 of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians.

"It’s a public expression of our concern and displeasure over the slow pace of contract negotiations,” Bell said.

The protest started last Friday. The union is working under a contract that expired Feb. 1, and members have given union leaders authorization to call a strike.

For complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.