In a significant show of unity, major unions representing journalists and non-journalist media workers across India convened a national conference to address pressing issues concerning wages and working conditions. The central demands emerging from the meet are the immediate constitution of a new wage board and strong opposition to the central government's four new labour codes.
Unified Front Against New Labour Codes
The conference, held in the national capital, saw participation from prominent bodies including the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), the All India Newspaper Employees Federation, and unions from the Press Trust of India and United News of India. The collective voiced deep apprehension regarding the potential impact of the four labour codes passed by Parliament.
The unions argue that these codes would effectively dismantle the hard-earned protections guaranteed under the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955. They fear the codes could lead to the removal of wage board recommendations, dilute job security, and undermine other crucial benefits specific to the media industry.
Core Demands: A New Wage Board and Social Security
Beyond opposing the labour codes, the unions presented a clear set of demands to safeguard media professionals. Their primary call is for the government to establish a new wage board without further delay. This board is essential to revise and set fair wages and service conditions that reflect current economic realities.
The second major demand focuses on comprehensive social security. The unions are pushing for the creation of a Social Security Fund for all media employees, both journalists and non-journalists. This fund would provide a safety net for healthcare, pensions, and other welfare measures.
Other key resolutions passed at the conference include:
- Ensuring strict implementation of existing wage board awards across all media establishments.
- Providing pension benefits to all eligible media personnel and their families.
- Opposing any policies that promote contractualisation of work, which erodes job stability.
- Advocating for the inclusion of digital media and news portal workers under the purview of wage board regulations.
A Call for Government Action and Industry Compliance
The conference concluded with a firm action plan. The united unions plan to submit a detailed memorandum outlining their demands to the Union Labour Minister. They have also decided to launch a concerted awareness campaign among media workers about the implications of the new labour codes.
Furthermore, the unions issued a stern warning to media houses, particularly those in regional languages, that are not complying with current wage board recommendations. They announced plans for potential agitation, including demonstrations and strikes, if their demands for a new wage board and the protection of existing rights are not met by the government and media managements.
This national meet marks a pivotal moment of collective bargaining for India's media workforce, highlighting the growing concerns over economic security and legal protections in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
