Solidarity steps in as up to 126 Media24 jobs come under threat
Media24 has begun consulting employees on a new editorial operating model, raising concerns about the future of newsroom jobs as the media giant continues efforts to improve sustainability amid mounting industry pressures.
Image: File
Trade union Solidarity has confirmed it is stepping in to represent its members at Media24 after the media company issued formal Section 189A notices as part of a proposed restructuring that could affect up to 126 jobs.
This comes after Media24 announced last week that it had launched a consultation process to restructure parts of its editorial operations as it seeks to implement a smaller, consolidated operating model. The company said the move forms part of efforts to build a more sustainable business amid continued pressures facing the media industry.
According to Solidarity, the restructuring affects editorial departments and employees at several of Media24's flagship brands, including News24, Netwerk24, Huisgenoot, Sarie, Kuier, Tuis/Home, Weg!/GO!, Wegry & Sleep/go! Drive & Camp, DRUM, True Love and YOU.
The union said the sports and lifestyle editorial departments at News24 and Netwerk24 are among those most heavily impacted.
“The possible loss of editorial expertise at established publications such as Huisgenoot and Sarie, and especially those within the sports and lifestyle editorial departments of well-known titles, is deeply concerning," said Johan Roos, labour relations organiser at Solidarity.
Roos said alternatives will be sought. “Solidarity will investigate all reasonable alternatives to prevent or limit retrenchments as far as possible.”
The union confirmed it has begun consultations with Media24 to protect the interests of its members and will scrutinise the company's business rationale for the restructuring.
"This will include demands for the employer to properly investigate its business rationale and proposed structures to prevent these drastic steps," the union said.
Solidarity said it is the largest trade union at Media24.
Media24 said the proposed changes are aimed at streamlining editorial operations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its media division. However, it stressed that the proposed structures are not final and remain subject to the outcome of the Section 189A consultation process.
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