17 August 2004

Greek journalist union gets deal over pay

A new collective agreement has been signed by Greek journalists’ unions and media employers. It provides for ground-breaking benefits including better pension arrangements, significant wage increases and a better leave arrangement for working mothers. 'After the bitterness of strike action we are pleased that a settlement which paves the way towards a better industrial-relations climate has been signed', said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. This decision comes after a series of strikes after stalled negotiations over the new agreement. These actions were led by the journalists’ unions in Greece and the Athens Union of Daily Newspapers (JUADN).

• More: European Federation of Journalists

15 July 2004

Call to support Greek strike

Following the strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, Greek journalists and media staff will be on strike for 48 hours beginning at 8am tomorrow and continuing until 8am Sunday. The series of national strikes in press, radio and television comes in response to the standstill in pay negotiations. The Greek media complains that international broadcasts are being used to fill up airtime whilst the strike is happening. The International Federation of Journalists today called on its members in Britain, Germany and the United States to act.

"This use of material might give some listeners the impression that the BBC, Deutsche Welle and Voice of America are breaking the Greek strike deliberately," IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said: "This is obviously nonsense, but the managements need to know how their material is being used."