Seattle Times reports–KOMO 4 anchors and reporters at Sinclair Broadcast Group’s Seattle station voted 9-7 last Wednesday to end their representation by SAG-AFTRA. The decision followed a July decertification petition filed with the National Labor Relations Board; a majority of the 22-member bargaining unit had signed it. The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation provided free legal help. The NLRB is expected to certify the result this week unless SAG-AFTRA objects.
The union has declined comment. Employees and management offered no public explanation. Foundation vice president Patrick Semmens said workers often seek decertification when they feel the union delivers little value. SAG-AFTRA sets only a minimum salary of about $66,000—lower than some prior job postings—and staff negotiate individual contracts. Members pay a $246.14 annual base fee plus 1.575% work dues. Semmens noted complaints about poor communication and “forced dues.”
Sixteen of 22 eligible voters participated. A 2019 decertification effort failed when most staff chose to keep the union. SAG-AFTRA has previously offered leadership training and support in the Seattle market. Separately, 13 KOMO photographers, represented by IATSE, filed their own petition to leave that union in May.
Sinclair Responds
Brookbank • August 28, 2026
SINCLAIR–KOMO/KUNS received an August 18, 2026 notice from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada Local 600, AFL-CIO has voluntarily disclaimed interest in continuing to represent news photojournalists at the stations.
The union’s decision follows an employee-initiated decertification petition and vote concerning continued IATSE representation. As a result of IATSE Local 600’s decision, the union will no longer serve as the bargaining representative for this group of employees.
Sinclair strives to be the employer of choice in every market we serve, and remains committed to maintaining a direct and productive relationship with our employees. Our employees are the heart of our company, and we value their contributions and dedication to serving the Seattle community.”
What's Old is New
T.K. • August 22, 2026
Same story 21 years ago at KIRO radio and KTTH: https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/kiro-radio-employees-seek-to-oust-union-1172463.php
The AFTRA-represented staff at 710/770 was two or three times bigger than the unit at KOMO-TV today! Those dues obviously didn’t help stave off any job cuts.
Drinking buddies
Jason Remington • August 22, 2026
The Communications Workers of America represented AT&T employees and for so many years were lead by a less than desirable Executive Board. (My experience as an employee of AT&T)