‘The Guardian needs to step up and live its values’: Freelancers call for better rates and conditions
Freelancers are calling for pay and conditions negotiations with Guardian Australia, demanding fairer compensation and better terms.
In a social media campaign led by the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEEA), a handful of out-of-house staff have taken to social media to demand their voices are heard.
Last month, MEEA members staged a major five-day strike at Nine Publishing amid ongoing disputes between the staff and management, centred around issues such as working conditions and compensation.
Guardian freelancer Bianca Nogrady said: “I’m fighting for a say in my rights and conditions because I do the same quality journalism as in-house staff, yet I don’t get sick pay, holiday pay, or superannuation.”
In a social media post, MEEA said: “Freelancers say it is time Guardian walked the talk by showing them some respect and sitting down with the marginalised section of the media workforce.“
In Australia, freelancers are classified as independent contractors, not employees, which means they are responsible for negotiating their own contracts, including payment and working conditions.
They do not receive the same benefits as employees, such as paid leave or superannuation, and must manage their tax obligations.
Guardian Australia columnist Greg Jericho joined the conversation, stating: “Everyone is doing it tough in media, but for freelancers, life is really hard. That’s why I fully support MEAA’s campaign to ensure that freelancers have a say in their pay and conditions.”
Van Badham, who regularly contributes to the Guardian Australia’s column, also expressed her support.
The MEAA is calling on other members to support its campaign via social media by calling out Guardian management to“give their freelancers the respect of having a say in how they are employed”.
Mumbrella has contacted Guardian Australia for comment.
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