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Journalists’ union in the GPA union strongly criticizes the approach taken against colleagues
Vienna (OTS) – For many months there was a conflict between parts of the workforce and the management of “Sport Aktiv” (Top Times Medien GmbH) over the application of the Journalists Act and the associated better working and pay conditions for journalists working there. Since the spring of 2021, the newly established works council has been taking forward the issues.
Although the company signaled that the application of the journalists’ law per se could not be ruled out, it was not prepared to find an amicable solution. On the contrary: the issue was allegedly resolved by the dismissal of two long-term employees – one of whom was a member of the substitute works council. Ultimately, an agreement was reached on the amicable solution of the employment relationships, which will expire at the end of the year. “Everything was tried to resolve the conflict, unfortunately in vain, because the company was simply not interested in it,” said Eike-Clemens Kullmann, chairman of the journalists’ union in the GPA union.
As was previously a secretary of the trade union, Kullmann also traveled to Graz to turn things around in conversation with the two managing directors. “There was no chance. Apparently there is concern that the Journalists Act will have to apply in other parts of Styria as well. So they obviously wanted to set an example, ”says Kullmann. Particularly outrageous for him: “Said substitute works council has made itself particularly strong in the cause, and has appeared on the side of the union. He was about to move up on the active committee of the works council, and the company knew that too. The notice of termination was given to him the day before. “
The works councils of other Styria media share this outrage and demanded the continuation of the employment relationship in a resolution via the group works council, but were also not heard. “The colleagues did nothing but stand up for their rights and demand claims from the employment relationship. To quit for this reason, and also to resign a workforce representative, is unworthy of a company of the Styria format, ”says Ute Groß, deputy chairwoman of the journalists’ union.
The management of “Sport Aktiv” has led to the meeting that in future the magazine will be run as a PR sheet without journalists. “Maybe”, says Kullmann, “we will definitely keep a close eye on the company and other Styria media. The problem has not disappeared with the two colleagues. ”
Inquiries & contact:
GPA union – public relations
Mag. Martin Panholzer
Tel.: 05 0301-21511
Car: 05 0301-61511
E-Mail: martin.panholzer@gpa.at
Web: www.gpa.at
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