October 14, 2009

Maria Fernandez
Executive Director
Radio KDNA

I am writing this letter because I am concerned about the current situation at Radio KDNA

Background

As you are aware, Consejo Counseling is a tenant at the site of Radio KDNA. This relationship was established in 1999 while Ricardo Garcia was the Executive Director of Radio KDNA and it continues today. During this time, I have seen the expansion and development of the radio station through their capital campaign for the new building and radio equipment. I am pleased to say that I personally met with some of the funders, such as, the Gates Foundation and supported Radio KDNA's advocacy efforts in Olympia in their search for a State appropriation. In addition, over the last five years through Latino Legislative Day and Unity Day, Consejo has advocated for the right and access to services for migrant Latinos workers in Yakima County. Furthermore, our advocacy efforts have increased access to services for domestic violence, sexual assault and general crime victims and survivors. Today six of our Consejo advocates work out of the Radio KDNA building, breaking the cycle of abuse, violence and oppression against women and children.

Concerns:

Unfortunately, since the administration changed at Radio KDNA, I have seen the following symptoms of much deeper problems. Radio KDNA employee's moral is down, the Latino community in Yakima county and Granger is divided, strikes have occurred at the Radio station, and the overall performance, honesty and integrity of the station has been placed in question by the community.

During 2009, there have been several times when Consejo employees and Consejo as an organization have found ourselves struggling on how to best address community needs without having to be involved in a labor dispute between your administration and your workers. The following are some examples:

1. Our staff has heard about unfair labor practices which affects the morale of your employees.

2. It is clear that there is a tremendous amount of tension between your administration and your staff.

3. It is also clear that the resolution of these labor relations has gone on longer than necessary.

4. The health and safety of our staff and clients have been jeopardized.

5. I am concerned about the unknown future of Radio KDNA.

6. One of staff provided assistance to one of your employees and she found herself in the middle of the labor dispute. In addition, we were also contacted by the National Labor Board in regards to your involvement in this case. Our client's privacy and confidentiality is protected by State and Federal statutes; therefore, it is my responsibility to safeguard protected client information as required by law. However, our staff does not need the amount of tension this created given the fact that we already deal with clients in crisis.

7. During the labor strike, Consejo found its self in a very difficult position because, adhering to our contracts, we can't stop services to our clients. We are required to be available and accessible to them, especially during life and death situations. On the other hand, our employees had to cross picket lines. The labor movement considered a form of disrespect.

8. In my visits to Granger, I have made it clear to you that Consejo is willing to help in any way possible to resolve this matter. I have also provided you with legal and benefits information and referrals, so you could address your labor disputes sooner rather than later. It is in the best interest of your staff, clients, Consejo staff, clients, your administration and the community at large that these concerns are resolved immediately. This labor dispute has gone on too long.

Positions:

This is Consejo's position:

1. Consejo does not endorse or support the current management labor practices.

2. As a tenant, we need office space that is free of negative energy, unhappiness and tension.

3. Consejo as an organized labor agency for almost 15 years is able to resolve its labor differences by meeting with labor representatives, listening to their concerns, involving them in labor/management and safety committees and by treating them with respect and dignity.

4. It is my professional opinion that in an organization every one plays an important role and the skills of the janitor are as important as those of the Executive Director. We are both necessary to the agency and we both bring different skills and talents. Therefore, we both need to support each other. The success of the organization does not belong to a single individual. The directors could use a deficit model and see the employee's weakness or use an empowerment model and see the employee's strengths and potentials. When an agency loses one staff person, the agency loses organizational history and credibility in the community. I encourage you to re-evaluate how your management team and business practices is viewing its employees.

Expected Resolutions:

As a tenant of Radio KDNA and Executive Director of Consejo, I request the following resolutions:

1. That labor relations be given the highest priority to resolve labor disputes as soon possible.

2. That the welfare of your staff, our clients, Consejo staff and the Latino community be placed first over personal differences.

3. That unfair and unilateral labor practices stop and that labor be given an opportunity to represent the Radio KDNA employees as mandated by law.

4. That practice of fear and intimidation stop and good faith negations be established.

5. It is Consejo's position that if by end of 2009, labor concerns have not been resolved by your administration and the Radio KDNA Board, Consejo will have no option but to relocate its operations to a new facility by the end of January, 2009. This will be a great loss to the Granger community because we will most likely be moving our services to a nearby town. This will also be a great loss to the 10 year partnership. In addition, it will be a loss of revenue for Radio KDNA. I personally hold you accountable for this loss. You and I know how much these service are needed in the Granger community.

6. Since, I do not have the home address of your Board Member, I request that you share this letter with the Radio KDNA Board of Directors

Support and Commitment:

I am available to assist and help if your office and labor representatives so desire. Consejo is an independent party to the Radio KDNA conflict, but we share a common vision to serve the Granger and Yakima County communities. If you have any questions or would like to talk to me about this letter, please do not hesitate to call me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX ext XXX. I am out town this week, but I will return to my office on Monday.

Sincerely,

Mario E. Paredes, MA Executive Director

Cc: Radio KDNA Board Members
Radio KDNA employees