Guardian Australia staff vote yes on protected action ballot

Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance members at Guardian Australia have today overwhelmingly voted yes on a protected action ballot.

While negotiations have made progress in recent weeks, management has still not done enough to address members’ concerns around pay, job security and career development.

MEAA has this afternoon notified Guardian Australia of the results of a ballot that showed more than 95 per cent of voting members were in favour of each protected action, including an indefinite strike.

More than 120 freelancers have also pledged to stand with employees during their protected action period.

MEAA acting media director Michelle Rae said Guardian Australia staff had been waiting for 10 years for their wages to catch up to the rest of the industry and members were willing to do what it takes to ensure a fair deal.

“Our members at the Guardian don’t want to have to take action, and they remain hopeful that management will come back with a fair offer that ensures they can continue to sustainably do their jobs,” Ms Rae said.

“In this current media landscape, management has a responsibility to address job security by improving redundancy provisions, giving freelancers a say on their pay rates, and ensuring that employees are offered career development opportunities.

“Job security is essential for journalists to do their important work, and keep the public informed.

“Staff have invested heavily in the Guardian; they’re now asking the Guardian to invest in them.”