WGME-TV Workers Secure Contract

Members of IBEW Local 1837 at WGME-TV ratified a new three-year contract with Sinclair Broadcast Group, ending a difficult and drawn-out bargaining process that included multiple contract extensions, public pickets outside the TV station in Portland, and strong backing from community leaders and fellow union members across the state.

The new agreement provides wage increases for all union members—at least 4–7% in the first year—followed by an additional 4% over the next two years. It also includes retroactive pay dating back to late 2024, putting earned money back in members’ pockets after months of delays.

“While we didn’t get everything we set out for, our members didn’t just roll over and accept the unlivable 1–1.5% raise that the company forces on most of its other stations,” said Chief Steward Jack Amrock. “We also protected numerous financial provisions that Sinclair Broadcasting wanted to deny our hard-working members.”

IBEW Local 1837 represents more than 45 broadcast professionals working behind the scenes at CBS affiliate WGME-TV 13 and Fox affiliate WPFO-TV 23. Both stations are owned and operated by Maryland-based Sinclair Broadcast Group. Union members include creative service producers, operating technicians, news editors, assignment editors, photographers, engineers, news producers, and directors—many of whom create not only the daily newscasts but also public service programs, commercials, and special projects.

“These are the professionals who show up every day, under pressure and often understaffed, to keep local news on the air,” said IBEW 1837 Business Representative Kaitlyn Hegarty. “They’re not asking for anything extravagant—just a fair contract that respects the hard work they do and the high cost of living in this city.”

Negotiations were slow and dragged on for months, with Sinclair offering wage increases that failed to meet the union’s expectations or reflect the economic realities facing journalists in Maine’s largest city. Members rejected multiple offers from Sinclair and overwhelmingly authorized a strike—and took their fight public.

Braving sub-freezing temperatures during the morning rush hour, they stood for hours outside the station, their signs visible as cars honked in solidarity. Over the course of four informational pickets in the heart of winter, they drew the community’s attention—and hundreds of commuters paused to show support—before capping their campaign by marching through downtown Portland during the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The effort won backing from local lawmakers in both Portland and Augusta, as well as from labor allies across Maine.

IBEW Local 1837 Business Manager Tony Sapienza praised the negotiating team for their determination and advocacy. “I want to thank Chief Steward Jack Amrock and Steward Sam DeSouza for their tenacious efforts at the bargaining table,” Sapienza said. “Their deep understanding of the newsroom brought clarity to the real issues our members face every single day.”