The following statement is now on the NY Musicians' Union website (www.local802afm.org), and was sent to about 600 NY musicians via email.

--Tim Dubnau, Organzing Director, Local 802

ATTENTION LOCAL 802 MEMBERS AND FRIENDS!

HELP SAVE UNION-FRIENDLY WBAI!

A lockout at the community-sponsored radio staion WBAI, 99.5 FM has taken place, and friends of WBAI are asked to join a growing group of concerned listeners to attend an emergency rally on Saturday, January 6 at 12 Noon to protest the illegal lockout. The rally will take place in front of WBAI, at 120 Wall Street. Take the 2,3 or 4 train to the Wall Street station.

Why is this lockout important to 802 members?
WBAI's staff, represented by the United Electrical workers, have been a consistent and vocal voice for the labor movement in general, and to Local 802 in particular. On numerous occasions, WBAI has invited Local 802 representatives to go on the air to discuss issues of concern to our members. WBAI covered the NYC Ballet Strike, helped spread the word about the struggle for union representation at the Apollo, and has had in-depth programs on the union's Justice for Jazz Artists campaign.

Why has WBAI locked out its radio personalities?
In short, WBAI is partially controlled by the national Pacifica Foundation, which has several stations throughout the country. Pacifica has been accused of trying to control WBAI, in an attempt alter WBAI's mission towards more of a main-stream radio station.

In a move many people see as contradictory to Pacifica's history, the law firm of Epstein, Becker, and Green has been retained to help fight the UE shop at WBAI. According to www.savepacifica.net, Epstein, Becker is known as a union-busting lawfirm.

For more information, and to email statements of protest, please visit the website www.savepacifica.net Most mainstream media in NY either ignores labor's message, or is hostile towards it. WBAI is too valuable a resource for the labor movement to let die. Help Save WBAI!