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‘Management has a responsibility to address job security’: Guardian Australia journalists vote to strike

Journalists at The Guardian Australia are planning to walk off the job if concerns around pay, job security and career development are not addressed by management.

MEAA members “overwhelmingly voted yes on a protected action ballot” on Thursday afternoon, with 95% of voting members in favour of each protected action, including an indefinite strike.

In addition, more than 120 freelancers have pledged to stand with employees during their protected action period.

The union has notified The Guardian Australia management of the decision.

“Our members at The Guardian don’t want to have to take action, and they remain hopeful that management will come back with a fair offer that ensures they can continue to sustainably do their jobs,” MEAA acting media director Michelle Rae said.

“In this current media landscape, management has a responsibility to address job security by improving redundancy provisions, giving freelancers a say on their pay rates, and ensuring that employees are offered career development opportunities.

“Job security is essential for journalists to do their important work, and keep the public informed.

“Staff have invested heavily in The Guardian; they’re now asking The Guardian to invest in them.”

This follows a successful five-day strike by Nine journalists in July, which resulted in pay rises, an agreement on the ethical use of AI in newsrooms, and “a way forward for freelancers to get a fair deal on pay and conditions”.

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