Staff at KEYT-TV in Santa Barbara, California, walked out of the newsroom on Wednesday to protest alleged unfair labor practices and demand fair contract negotiations. Reporters, directors, and videographers joined a picket line outside the station, which was scheduled to last from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. before relocating to the Santa Barbara Mission to coincide with a local Fiesta ceremony.
The union representing the employees, Local 600 of the International Cinematographers Guild, filed three unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against the station's management. According to Raquel Ruiz, ICG Senior Business Representative, these charges stem from management's alleged delays, refusal to provide essential information, and conduct that undermined bargaining.
"For months, they have come to the table ready to negotiate a fair first contract that recognizes the value of their work for the Central Coast community," Ruiz stated. "Instead, they have faced delays, refusals to provide essential information, and conduct that undermined meaningful bargaining."
Mediation efforts through the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service reached an impasse on July 22. The union reported that after nearly two years of unsuccessful negotiations, station management has been resistant to reaching an agreement. Following the impasse, union members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.
KEYT staff voted to unionize and join IATSE Local 600 in November 2024, with a vote of 17–13. Local 600 represents employees at 13 other broadcast news stations across the country. A primary issue cited for the unionization effort was low employee compensation, with some veteran and award-winning personnel reportedly earning only slightly above minimum wage.