Brisbane Times joins five-day strike by Nine journalists, ‘no effect’ on Games coverage
Reporters at one of Australia’s major media outlets are set to strike over pay and conditions as Nine insists its Paris Olympics coverage will not be impacted by the walkout.
Nine's Chief Executive Mike Sneesby.
Journalists employed by Nine Publishing – including union members covering the Games in Paris – will begin a five-day strike on Friday after rejecting a revised enterprise bargaining offer from management.
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance members from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review, the Brisbane Times and WAtoday will walk off the job from 11am AEST.
In an email from Paris on Friday morning, Nine chief executive Mike Sneesby said the timing of the five-day strike action by hundreds of staff “comes on the eve of one of the biggest news events on the planet” which the company will pay at least $120m – this includes the broadcasting deal and production costs.
“We have invested significantly to bring unrivalled coverage of the 2024 Games to our valued audiences through Nine’s world-leading journalism,” Mr Sneesby said.
“While we have endeavoured to avert the industrial action, we have been preparing for the prospect of prolonged industrial action.”
After months-long negotiations, union members voted to reject the company’s latest offer, saying it “fails to include a fair pay rise that keeps ahead of the cost of living”.
Union official Michelle Rae said Nine journalists were being asked to do more for less.
“Journalists have asked for a modest wage increase in line with the CPI after foregoing any pay rise during COVID and at a time when the company is making record profits,” she said.
Nine in June confirmed it would cut 200 roles, or about four per cent of its almost 5000 staff – a decision it attributed to the loss of a lucrative content deal with Meta and a slump in advertising.
“It’s totally unacceptable the company is asking workers to make a choice between a modest pay rise and the possibility of more job cuts,” Ms Rae said.
The strike will include the opening weekend of the Paris Olympics. Nine has sent a large contingent of staff to cover the event, having paid a reported $305 million for the broadcast rights to the next five Games.
In a statement, Nine defended its latest proposal as a fair and reasonable offer and said comprehensive plans were in place to ensure coverage of the Paris Olympics.
“Nine recognises the rights of unions to take industrial action but believe that a return to the negotiating table is the best way to progress the EBA,” a company spokesperson told AAP.
