Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff
C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
Journalists at The Guardian and its sister publication, The Observer, are going on strike for two days starting December 4 and 5; this is the first industrial action at The Guardian in more than five decades. The strike is against the possible sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, which is owned by James Harding, former editor of The Times and ex-director of BBC News.
While The Guardian granted the fervor among NUJ members, they disagreed that strike is a solution. For instance, one spokesperson said it does have the necessary measure on its end to dampen this action's possible results upon their readers and subscribers since they maintain both its online and print editions. To their UK-based readers, it pointed out they may consider observing certain alterations in website access as well as in print version through strike days.
NUJ members passed a motion last month condemning the proposed sale as a betrayal of the Scott Trust's commitment to the world's oldest Sunday newspaper. If the sale goes ahead, Observer staff will be offered enhanced voluntary redundancy or a transfer to Tortoise on their current contracts. Anna Bateson, managing director of Guardian Media Group (GMG), confirmed that discussions were continuing with the aim of protecting staff interests and said freelance contracts would be extended until September 2025.
The chair of the Scott Trust, Ole Jacob Sunde, also gave similar assurances of its continued commitment to editorial independence and liberal journalism. Sunde promised these values will not change as a result of this deal that retains trust's ownership partially over The Observer, citing great respect for this strike while claiming a desire for the survival of both papers from the trust's position.
NUJ general secretary-elect Laura Davison praised the journalists' determination, underlining their desire to protect the 233-year legacy of The Observer. She described the Sunday newspaper as holding an important place in public life and emphasized the union's full support for the strike.
James Harding, for the applicant Tortoise Media, argued that the proposed investment of £25 million over five years would put The Observer on a stronger editorial and commercial footing. GMG acknowledged the right to strike but pointed out its commitment to maintaining the Observer as a premier voice in liberal journalism.
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