Journalists’ union calls on News Corp to guarantee no forced redundancies in latest cuts
The union representing journalists has called on News Corp to confirm there will be no forced redundancies as part of its latest round of cost-saving measures.
Yesterday it was revealed that News Corp would seek to make $40m in cuts from its Australian operation as advertising continues to shrink, with modest redundancies to form part of the cuts.
A release from the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) states: “It is particularly frustrating that the announcement of the redundancies came within hours of voting opening for a new enterprise bargaining agreement negotiated between News Corp and MEAA members over many months; with the company’s management never once indicating that further job losses and cost savings measures were imminent.”
The union argues: “News Corp editorial staff have made enormous sacrifices in cooperative effort to improve efficiencies and productivity in the business”.
“Far too often these sacrifices have been made with little or no recognition or recompense from management,” the body stated.
“MEAA calls on the company to provide assurances that any redundancies will be on a voluntary basis.”
The union notes News Corp has said the latest cuts are “to allow for continued investment in quality journalism”.
“News Corp must accept that genuine investment in quality journalism must not trample editorial staff who are the engine room of News Corp’s products,” MEAA said.
The union has said it will seek meetings with News Corp management in coming days.
News Corp has been approached for comment.
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