First day of strike action by Guardian and Observer journalists
Solidarity shown by NUJ members and supporters
Huge support has been shown for Guardian and Observer journalists on the picket line on the opening day of four days of strikes in protest at the sale of the Observer to Tortoise Media.
Anne Robinson
© Mark Thomas
Among those joining the crowds of staff who rallied in front of the Guardian and Observer’s HQ in King’s Cross in London were Grayson Perry, Anne Robinson, Lemn Sissay, TUC general secretary Paul Novak, comedian Stewart Lee, author Michael Rosen, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch, John McDonnell MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Andrew Pakes MP and Steve Witherden MP.
© Mark Thomas
“It’s a fantastic turnout”, said NUJ general secretary-elect Laura Davison (pictured below) who spoke from the picket line. “Many are here showing solidarity and saying it’s too important for a deal to be done behind closed doors and too important for wider public life.
“People are calling on management to meaningfully engage with staff, who are the people who create the success of the titles, and saying there needs to be proper scrutiny and an opportunity to look at alternatives.”
Laura Davison
© Mark Thomas
Sky News broadcast an interview with Observer journalist Carole Cadwalladr (pictured top) from the rally, with correspondent Katie Spencer telling viewers: “Journalists will out on the picket line for the next two days determined to make their voices heard. This isn’t something that they take lightly and certainly the people we’ve spoken to this morning is they just want a dialogue, they just want to talk to bosses about this decision.”
Picketing began at 8am. Andrew Pakes MP was among the first to join NUJ members outside Kings Place in King’s Cross, London as messages of solidarity poured in on social media and from NUJ branches.
Messages of solidarity
On behalf of members of the Dublin Broadcasting Branch I want to express our solidarity with all of you who have been taking action to oppose the sale of The Observer. We fully understand your concerns and we commend the stand you are taking to protect and defend independent journalism in the UK. Sincerest best wishes from all of us in Dublin, Emma O Kelly, Chair, Dublin Broadcasting Branch
The NUJ’s BBC Scotland Glasgow and Edinburgh chapel sends support and solidarity to our colleagues at the Guardian and Observer chapel. We recognise how hard it is for members to take industrial action, but recognise that you been left with no choice than to take action in defence of the Observer’s heritage and public interest journalism. We call on Guardian Media Group and the Scott Trust to pause the sale of the Observer and listen to the concerns of staff and readers. The decision to strike can’t have been easy and it will have a direct impact on you and your families. But it is why we are part of a Union. We fight for each other and hold strong together. This is how we can make change and protect each other. Jenny Rollo, Chair, BBC Scotland Glasgow & Edinburgh NUJ Chapel
The Observer has a proud record and is widely respected by Irish journalists. Irish members support and applaud NUJ members as they take a stand against the sale of the Observer. The editorial integrity of the Observer must be protected and we urge the Scott Trust not to proceed with the disposal of the newspaper. Cearbhaill O Siochain Cathaoirleach (Chair) Irish Executive Council Séamus Dooley, Irish Secretary
Solidarity to striking NUJ members at The Guardian and Observer. NUJ & Equity members are called to speak truth to power in their work. To do this they need independent institutions and secure terms & conditions. The Guardian and Observer are crucial platforms for arts and culture in a fragmenting media landscape. Unwavering solidarity from our officers, Council, & 50,000 members. Paul Fleming, Equity General Secretary
I would like, on behalf of my fellow union members in the NUJ, to send support and solidarity to all our colleagues in The Guardian and The Observer as you embark on your industrial action. All the very best with your campaign. Trade Union Group in the Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ and chair of the station's NUJ branch Trevor Keegan
As Chair of Dublin (Newspapers) branch I want to assure the Chapel of our strong support as they seek to defend one of the great newspaper institutions. The NUJ in Dublin is rock solid in support of your action. The Observer is not just a British newspaper, it has an international reputation and journalists everywhere must oppose the sale. Martin Fitzpatrick
The PA NUJ chapel would like to express its support and solidarity for our fellow union members at GMG who are taking industrial action over the proposed sale of the Observer.
Who owns a newspaper is important. Who manages journalists is important. Standing up to a quick and arbitrary disposal of a news title is important. Showing support and solidarity to our colleagues in the Guardian / Observer chapel is important and is given with energy and strength. Gerry Curran, NUJ, vice president
Solidarity greetings to the Guardian & Observer Chapel from NUJ colleagues at Newsquest Media Group. The decision to strike is not an easy one but the stakes are high for all affected journalists -as well as the diversity of UK journalism. We back our colleagues’ stand.
Crucial decisions like this affecting an important journalistic institution need proper and respectful consideration of all stakeholders involved and Newsquest NUJ Group Chapel urges a rethink of the way forward by the Scott Trust. We hope good sense will prevail.
The Glasgow Editorial Chapel of the Herald, Glasgow Times and National sends its full support with solidarity to the Guardian & Observer chapel for the strike action soon to be undertaken by Staff. The planned sale of the Observer to Tortoise media without proper consultation to the chapel's affected members and wider staff is a clear breach of trust and we would hope that resolution through proper dialogue is actioned as a result of the rightful protest by the union.
Sending full solidarity to Guardian and Observer colleagues going on strike. Your action is an inspiration to those of us who believe in public interest journalism. Undertaking strike action is no easy task but please know, you have our support. After all, "The only real power is the power of the masses, united and determined" (James Connolly). Layla-Roxanne Hill, NUJ NEC (Scotland Rep)
Our branch commends NUJ members at Guardian News and Media for challenging management over the planned sale of the Observer and for taking collective action in defence of the historic title. We share their view that the loss-making Tortoise Media is not a suitable custodian of the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.We join them today in calling on the board of the Scott Trust to withdraw its support for the sale of the Observer and to recommit to supporting the title and its journalism. Leeds & West Yorkshire branch
Sending best wishes to our members at the Guardian and Observer, standing up for what you believe is sometimes hard, but always the right thing to do. Solidarity. Fran McNulty, (joint) Vice-President, NUJ
And finally
There was even support from some picketing pooches, showing their solidarity via #dogsfortheobserver
