Podcast Union Files Charges Against iHeartMedia for Unfair Labor Practices

iHeartMedia podcast employees, represented by the Podcast Union and the Writers Guild of America East, have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. The union, which includes about 100 hosts, producers, editors, and researchers, alleges that iHeartMedia violated the National Labor Relations Act by restricting protected speech, engaging in intimidating behavior, and interrogating employees about their union support.

This legal action comes after two years of contentious negotiations for their first union contract, during which the company reportedly showed up late to a bargaining session and publicly downplayed the union’s financial demands. iHeartMedia is accused of violating Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act by restricting protected Section 7 speech, engaging in intimidating conduct, and interrogating employees about their support for the union.