‘A history-making moment’: Freelance talks begin at Nine
MEAA freelance representatives sat down with Nine management on Monday to “directly negotiate rates, annual increases, and conditions.”
This marks the first direct conversations between management and freelancers regarding worker rights in the history of The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review, Brisbane Times, and WAtoday, according to the union.
As part of the negotiations with staff journalists during the five-day strike in July, contracted workers “insisted that a commitment to negotiate minimum standards with freelancers was part of the final deal” before returning to the workplace.
On Monday, MEAA’s freelance representatives presented Nine management with “more than 300 signatures on an open letter calling on them to negotiate in good faith.”
The MEAA said: “This was a history-making moment for the campaign for a freelance charter of rights – a testament to what members can achieve when we stand together.
“While getting to this negotiation is a huge win, the fight continues to ensure we can secure a fair deal and set a precedent for freelancers across the industry.”
The union is aiming to make Nine commit to a Freelance Charter of Rights, which includes dispute resolution, transparent rates of pay, 10% super, copyright protection, and the like.
“It’s hugely significant that Nine have agreed to negotiate freelance standards because freelancers have always been on the outer when it comes to previous EBAs,” an MEAA spokesperson told Mumbrella in August, when the network first indicated it would play ball. “It’s massive recognition of their importance to the editorial future of the mastheads.
“Both staff and freelancers stood side-by-side during the strike because they have a common cause of respect at work, decent pay and conditions, and ethical, quality journalism.
“Freelancers are the most vulnerable workers in the media industry with precarious and insecure working conditions and incomes and MEAA is determined to help them improve their working lives.
“We look forward to negotiating a fair deal for freelancers with management.”
SUBSCRIBE
Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.
