Solidarity messages to ERT from Britain

International cover pages about ERT

ΤHE NUJ STANDS UP FOR JOURNALISM IN GREECE

The union took part in international condemnation of the ERT closure announcement on Wednesday 12 June and sends solidarity messages to colleagues on strike in Greece today. The Greek government is trying to shut down the public broadcasting organisation’s three TV stations, radio and regional radio stations, satellite emissions and internet portal with the sacking of all staff. The Greek trade unions have responded by organising a general strike in support of journalism and media workers. ERT journalists continued to resist the closure and are broadcasting live from the occupied studios in Athens.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “The shocking announcement on Tuesday of 2,700 job cuts and the closure of public broadcaster ERT has been roundly condemned, this immediate response has been inspiring to us. The break down of the public media in Greece is a barbaric act that has been inflicted on journalists and media workers as part of an increasingly vicious austerity programme. We are not prepared to pay for the economic crisis we did not create. The decision of the state to close down ERT must be reversed. It is an appalling attack on the media and on Greek democracy. Our unity as journalists and media workers in solidarity must gives us strength. The NUJ in the UK and Ireland stands up for journalists and offers support and assistance to colleagues – we reject attempts to divide us from our humanity and we are united to stand up for journalism.”

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Calls for solidarity mobilisations

London, Edinburgh Bristol