Nine CEO ‘disappointed’ as staff walk out
Written by admin on July 26, 2024
Nine Entertainment’s chief executive officer has said Olympic coverage won’t be affected as journalists walk off the job.
In an email sent to staff on Friday morning Nine CEO Mike Sneesby said he’s ‘profoundly disappointed’ by the industrial action at the company, where journalists are expected to walk off the job from 11am on Friday morning over a pay dispute.
“It goes without saying we’re profoundly disappointed by this decision as we have offered a new and improved agreement yesterday and were negotiating in good faith to a constructive outcome,” the email read.
“While we recognise the right of unions to take industrial action, Troy and I firmly believe a return to the negotiating table is the best pathway to progressing the EBA.”
The action has “regrettably” come the night before the 2024 Paris Olympics are set to kick off, with the media giant having paid a staggering $305m for the exclusive rights for the next five Olympic games, including Paris 2024 and Brisbane 2032.
Despite the strike, Mr Sneesby has claimed he remains “confident” the coverage will be “comprehensive” and “world-class”.
“We have invested significantly to bring unrivalled coverage of the 2024 Games to our valued audiences through Nine’s world-leading journalism,” he wrote.
“While we have endeavoured to avert the industrial action, we have been preparing for the prospect of prolonged industrial action.
“We are well positioned to ensure our mastheads are produced and distributed for our loyal readers. Our editorial teams will seamlessly deliver the best coverage for our audiences, so they have the news they want, when they want it and as it happens in Paris.”
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance union members from Nine’s publishing division demanded a 20 per cent pay rise over three years, however Nine reportedly offered a raise of 10.5 per cent, nearly half the staff’s demand.
It comes a month after Mr Sneesby announced the company would carry out between 70 and 90 redundancies.
Mr Sneesby added he’s committed to “continuing to work in good faith with the MEEA and bargaining committees to deliver a new agreement that is fair and supports a sustainable future for the Publishing business”.
More to come.
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