New statement from Guardian and Observer NUJ branch

AS WE head into the Christmas break, GONUJ want to thank everyone who has supported us, with donations, statements, letters, reposts, and of course joining us on our strike days. Your solidarity is so much appreciated.

Image © Rob Biddulph, licensed to the campaign

We also wanted to update you all on where things stand.

Guardian and Observer staff striking to stop the sale of the Observer to Tortoise Media lost up to four days’ pay in order to do so.

GONUJ are appalled at the decision to approve the sale of the Observer, in a deal we think will be disastrous for the future of the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper and for liberal journalism.

We also believe it represents a serious blow to the Guardian, ceding the UK news agenda to the right wing media at a time when liberal voices are needed more than ever. Historic industrial action, backed by a 93% mandate, laid bare the strength of feeling against this deal.

We were shocked that the Scott Trust chose to approve the deal while our members were on strike. Making the announcement a week before Christmas is further evidence of the contempt with which the Scott Trust and the company hold the pledge maintained for many decades of “living our values”.

GONUJ are seeking fundamental reforms to governance and strong protections for Observer and Guardian colleagues. While the company has offered some mitigations, they don’t go in any way far enough to protect the terms and conditions of all Observer and Guardian staff affected.

GONUJ has informed the company of our intention to take part in disruptive industrial action short of a strike in the New Year. If there are no improvements to mitigations or progress on governance reforms, GONUJ will vote to set substantive new strike dates for later in January.

In the meantime, and despite the trying circumstances in which we find ourselves, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

© Guardian and Observer Chapel Branch

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