Journalists΄ work stoppage from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

The Panhellenic Federation of Journalists’ Unions and its member Unions
will participate with a four-hour work stoppage from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, as part of the 24-hour nationwide strike declared by the labour centres and ADEDY, and supported by the GSEE.

Workers in the press and media sector join our voices with those of workers across the country against government policies that lead to further flexibilisation of labour relations and the erosion of rights won through long struggles.

Journalists and media employees, already facing exhausting work schedules and an ever-increasing workload, declare “NO TO THE 13-HOUR WORKDAY”, emphasising that we are not disposable and that our working time is not a limitless commodity without conditions or boundaries.

This new blow to labour rights comes on top of the continuing refusal of employers’ organisations even to enter into dialogue for the establishment of Collective Labour Agreements in the private sector—a refusal that results in underpaid workers trapped in individual contracts, where the law of the strongest prevails. No measures have been taken to address the deregulation of labour relations and collective labour law.

At the same time, not only media workers but Greek society as a whole are experiencing a series of successive and explosive price increases, creating a suffocating situation for employees who see their incomes and resources evaporating, while no measures are being taken to tackle the wave of rising prices.

We express our strong protest against the continuing and intensifying pressure on journalism and journalists, which ultimately undermines reliable and free information — a cornerstone of democratic functioning.

We demand:

• Collective Labour Agreements in all private-sector media, and immediate, substantial increases in nominal wages and pensions.
  It is noted that the EU directive calls on member states to strengthen collective bargaining so that 80% of workers are covered by CLAs.

• Effective measures to combat the high cost of living and to address unemployment in a substantial and meaningful way.

• National and European support measures to protect incomes and jobs in the private sector.

• Reliable and pluralistic information.

Journalists covering strike demonstrations across the country are exempt from the four-hour work stoppage, and colleagues are urged to participate massively in the strike rallies.