The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) has said that Nine’s 15% increase in full year revenue, totalling $2.688 billion, should be cause for a pay rise from the media company.
MEAA media section director Adam Portelli said: “Despite the windfall of the millions of dollars from Google and Facebook that boosted the profit result, management has only offered a 3.5% wage rise to most staff – around half the annual increase in the cost of living.
“Staff already endured a pay freeze in 2020, while working harder than ever during the pandemic to keep readers informed.
“After this bumper result, it is time for those profits to be shared as a fair pay rise with the journalists whose work delivered them. They should not have to see their pay continuing to fall behind in real terms while their employer pockets massive profits."
More than 82% of MEAA members at the Nine mastheads have voted “yes” in a ballot to take protected industrial action in pursuit of their claims.
MEAA members are also seeking a commitment to employment diversity in newsrooms and formal recognition of the charter of editorial independence in the new agreement.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.