The threat of a strike looms as job cuts continue to impact major media outlets in Australia.
Editorial staff at one of Australia’s leading newspaper groups are considering a strike on July 26 following failed negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement. The Media, Entertainment, and Arts Alliance (MEAA) reported that journalists at Nine Publishing have voted in favor of a five-day strike, including during the opening weekend of the Paris Olympic Games. The group, formerly known as Fairfax Media, includes prominent news brands like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, the Australian Financial Review, Brisbane Times, and WAToday.
The union expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s pay offer, citing a lack of acknowledgment of cost-of-living pressures and unaddressed claims from journalists, including concerns about workplace diversity, grade progression, and consultation in relation to AI. The decision to strike was also influenced by the company’s decision to cut 90 newspaper positions, alleged misbehavior of senior executives, and the acquisition of broadcast rights to the Olympics by Nine.
Negotiations between Nine Publishing and the union members are ongoing, with both parties committed to reaching a resolution. In late June, Nine Publishing announced plans to reduce 200 positions due to economic challenges in the advertising market, following similar actions by other major media outlets in Australia.
The pay dispute coincides with the MEAA’s concerns about the impact of AI on the media industry. Voice actor Cooper Mortlock shared a personal experience of AI replication of his voice without consent, highlighting the broader implications of AI on creative industries.
Nine CEO Mike Sneesby emphasized the company’s efforts to manage costs during challenging economic conditions, stating that measures would be implemented to offset revenue losses and market challenges. Despite the difficult decisions, Sneesby acknowledged the impact on colleagues who would be leaving the company in the coming months.
The ongoing developments underscore the complexities facing the media industry in Australia and the broader challenges posed by technological advancements like AI.
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