Fletcher Fischer knows that membership development sometimes comes one new member at a time, and inch by inch. That's why the Boston Local 1228 business manager successfully went to bat for a handful of broadcasting professionals whose poor working conditions and low pay spurred them to reach out to the IBEW for help.

Four creative designers who do graphics for WCVB-TV Channel 5's nightly news had seen for years the tangible benefits that their co-workers in other positions at the ABC affiliate enjoyed with IBEW representation. But the designers, who weren't covered by the bargaining agreement, had witnessed their own wages stagnate even as more and more assignments and deadlines were handed to them.

"It was basically a 'more work than there are bodies' kind of scenario," said Fischer. "They work at the No. 1 station in the Boston TV market, but they weren't seeing fair rewards for their efforts."

After talking with other organized co-workers at the station, the four employees reached out to Fischer, and a quick campaign resulted in a unanimous vote on May 9 to join the IBEW.

"We have a good track record of advocating for dozens of techs and other employees at the station," Fischer said. "They knew the union's reputation and believed in what we could do for them."

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