Tuesday, 07 September 2010 14:17

We appreciate the support you have given to S.B. 1141, the Broadcast Employment Free Market Act.

Since the bill's introduction on Nov. 6, 2009, AFTRA members have been hard at work getting support from the Legislature to pass this important law, which would ban "non-compete" provisions from the employment contracts of broadcast employees.

S.B. 1141 is needed because these non-compete provisions are fundamentally unfair to broadcast employees and do not serve any legitimate employer interest. These clauses require broadcasters to refrain from working in their profession for anywhere from three months to 24 months, whether the broadcaster is being paid or not, and even when they've been fired or laid-off at the employer's decision. Non-compete provisions artificially compress wages and impede the free negotiation of employment contracts. Employees have to choose between taking a lower-than-market offer or uprooting their families to move to another city.

Currently, the bill is with the Labor and Industry Committee, chaired by Sen. John Gordner, who represents the 27th District.

AFTRA Philadelphia and Pittsburgh members and staff have met with Sen. Gordner's representatives and discussed some of the concerns he has with the bill. Gordner's representatives suggested some compromises, but we believe all non-competes are outdated and unfair and that the Senator should support the bill as written.

This is where we need your help.

First, will you take a few minutes of your time to call Sen. Gordner's Chief-of-Staff, Todd Roup, and tell him you are an AFTRA member or supporter and you would like to discuss with him why all non-competes should be null and void? He can be reached at (717) 787-8928 and/or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The purpose of the call is for Todd Roup to hear real-life stories from broadcasters who have to live and work under these non-compete clauses.

Second, we would like for you to spread the word to your colleagues to also contact Roup and tell your story for Sen. Gordner. It is particularly important to contact broadcasters outside of the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia markets who are often making as little as $25,000 annually but still have to work under a non-compete clause.

This is a crucial time for the Broadcast Employment Free Market Act and Sen. Gordner is key to getting the bill out of committee and taken up by the full Senate.

For more information or to find out how you can do more please call the AFTRA Philadelphia Local office at 215-732-0507.
PS. Tell them The Union Edge Talk Radio Show sent you!