Nine Publishing journalists vote to stop work this week

Journalists employed by Nine Publishing have overwhelming voted in favour of going on strike on Friday if the company is unable to reach a deal on a new enterprise bargaining agreement.

The decision to take action follows the company’s refusal to negotiate a fair deal that delivers a better than CPI increase, diversity pay audit and quotas, protection against the use of AI and adherence to the MEAA freelance charter of rights. This comes against the background of the employer announcing 90 job cuts, multi-million dollar pay outs to misbehaving senior executives, and the purchase of the broadcast rights to the Olympics for a reported $100 million.

Journalists at the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review, Brisbane Times and WAtoday have today voted to stop work for five days, including the opening weekend of the Paris Olympic Games.

The decision was made at meetings around the country of members of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance after a protected action ballot had over 90% support for strike action.

“The company’s pay offer fails to acknowledge cost of living pressures and management has not dealt with other claims from journalists including a genuine commitment to better workplace gender and cultural diversity, improvements to grading progression and protection through consultation in relation to AI,” said the acting Director of MEAA Media, Michelle Rae.

“These mastheads are strong financial performers, and have a reputation for award-winning journalism, and Nine needs to invest in its editorial front line ahead of its financial bottom line.

“The decision to go on strike was not made lightly as an event like the Olympics only comes along once every four years.

“Members regret the disruption the industrial action may cause.  We urge management of Nine Publishing to resolve the issues in the bargaining meeting on Wednesday.”