Stronger Together: Celebrating the Ocean State Media Union Vote

A New England Win Worth Celebrating

Sometimes a story comes along that just makes you feel good about the world. This week, employees at Ocean State Media, the organization that brings Rhode Island its NPR and PBS programming, voted to unionize. With more than 70% of employees casting a yes vote, this was not a close call. It was a clear, confident statement from a group of dedicated workers who believe in their collective voice.

Who Is Ocean State Media?

Ocean State Media is the cornerstone of public broadcasting in Rhode Island. Day after day, their journalists, producers, and staff work hard to bring honest, thoughtful storytelling to communities across the state. Public media has always played a special role in New England, connecting neighbors, elevating local voices, and holding space for the stories that matter most. The people behind that work deserve every bit of recognition they receive.

What This Vote Means for Working People

Jessica Maher, SAG-AFTRA's executive director for New England's local chapter, said it beautifully: 'We won with more than 70% yes vote and we look forward to bargaining.' Those words carry real warmth and real hope. A vote to unionize is a vote for dignity, for fair treatment, and for the belief that when people stand together, they can shape something better. That is a value that resonates deeply here in the Greater Boston and New England community.

Community Is at the Heart of Everything

Here at Trinity Naturals, tucked right here in Chelsea, MA, we think about community every single day. We are surrounded by neighbors who work hard, who care deeply, and who show up for each other in big and small ways. Stories like this one remind us why that matters so much. When workers in media unite, they are not just protecting their own futures. They are protecting the quality and integrity of the stories they tell for all of us.

Why Public Media Voices Matter So Much

Public broadcasting has a unique place in our lives. It is not driven by ratings chases or advertiser pressure. It exists to serve the public, plain and simple. The people who dedicate their careers to that mission deserve workplaces that reflect those same values of fairness and respect. This union vote is a step toward making that a reality at Ocean State Media, and it gives us all reason to cheer.

Standing Alongside Our New England Neighbors

From Chelsea, MA, we send our warmest congratulations to every person at Ocean State Media who cast a vote, who had a conversation with a coworker, who believed in something bigger than themselves. You showed what is possible when community comes first. We are proud to be your neighbors in this remarkable region, and we cannot wait to see everything you build together. Keep telling the stories that matter. We will be listening.