Journalists at major Australian news companies have gone on strike for five days due to a dispute over pay and conditions. Employees from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, the Australian Financial Review, the Brisbane Times, and WAtoday walked off their jobs on July 26. This strike comes at a crucial time, just before the Paris Olympics, for which Nine Publishing had sent a significant number of reporters to cover the event.
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), the union representing the journalists, demanded a pay increase in line with inflation, a commitment to workplace diversity, safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI), and fair treatment for freelancers. After months of negotiations, the union rejected a revised offer from Nine Publishing on July 25, claiming that it did not include a fair pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living.
The revised offer from Nine Publishing included a 3.5 percent pay rise in the first year, 4 percent in the second year, and 3 percent in the third year. However, union members argued that this offer did not meet their expectations and raised concerns about the increasing demands placed on journalists while their wages remained stagnant.
On July 26, Nine staff organized rallies outside their offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Banners with slogans such as “Don’t torch journalism” and “Quality journalism needs quality jobs” were displayed, reflecting the journalists’ dedication to their profession and their desire for fair treatment.
Michelle Rae, a union official, emphasized that the strike was not just about wages but also about creating newsrooms that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. She also highlighted the need for ethical and transparent use of AI in news reporting. Additionally, Rae criticized Nine Publishing for asking workers to choose between a modest pay rise and the possibility of further job cuts, especially after the company had already cut 90 jobs in its publishing division in June.
The decision to strike was supported by the Guardian Australia’s MEAA House committee, which acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists during the global pandemic and the cost of living crisis. The committee criticized the company for prioritizing shareholder profits over the well-being of its employees.
Nine Publishing defended its offer, stating that it was fair and reasonable. The company expressed its willingness to resume negotiations and believed that returning to the negotiating table would be the best way to move forward. A spokesperson for Nine Publishing reassured readers that the strike would not affect the production and distribution of its publications, ensuring uninterrupted coverage of the Paris Olympics.
This strike, taking place during the opening weekend of the Paris Olympics, highlights the journalists’ determination to fight for their rights and the importance of fair treatment in the media industry. It also raises broader questions about the state of journalism and the challenges faced by news organizations in an increasingly digital landscape. As journalists continue to navigate these challenges, it is crucial for media companies to prioritize the well-being of their employees and invest in maintaining the quality and independence of journalism.
