Not for Sale: Save The Observer
Journalists at the Guardian & Observer are taking strike action in opposition to the hurried sale of the title.
A huge 93% of journalists at the Guardian and Observer voted in favour of strike action on four days (4-5 December and 12-13 December) after a proposal to sell the Observer emerged.
Striking is always the last resort and, in an attempt to avoid industrial action, journalists made a clear call to Guardian Media Group (GMG) to cease its exclusive talks with Tortoise Media over the sale of the title.
The pickets are taking place outside the Guardian and Observer HQ in Kings Place, 90 York Way, King’s Cross, London, with the next one beginning at 8am on 12 December.
The strikes so far
Numerous politicians and well-known cultural figures visited the picket line during the first two days of the strikes on 4-5 December, including Grayson Perry, Lemn Sissay, Anne Robinson, Michael Rosen and Stewart Lee.
The industrial action disrupted the Guardian's output and was covered by media in the UK and around the world - from the BBC, Channel 4 News, Sky News, The Times, Variety and the Telegraph to the New York Times.
A number of leading cultural figures have sent messages of solidarity to Guardian and Observer journalists to support them during their strike, including Armando Iannucci, Tilda Swinton, Sheila Hancock and Maxine Peake. Their full messages are here.
Conservationist and wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham also posted a video of solidarity.
- The last industrial action involving Guardian journalists took place in 1971, as part of a general strike coordinated by the TUC. Read more on important key facts and figures.
Why are journalists striking?
The NUJ has expressed its concerns about the sustainability of the Observer’s journalism if it is sold to the non-profitable startup Tortoise, founded by James Harding. Talks commenced without any consultation with journalists, despite the crucial role they play in ensuring the Observer’s position as a trusted title for its independent public interest journalism.
On 19 November, the union attended ACAS talks with GMG in good faith. We discovered however, that the company had already recommended the sale of the Observer to the Scott Trust board on 15 November despite the company telling the NUJ on 14 November that due diligence hadn’t at that point been completed. Journalists are shocked and disappointed at the approach adopted by GMG and feel they must take urgent action in defence of the title.
That disappointment was compounded with anger after it emerged that on 5 December, before the 48 hour walkout had finished, The Scott Trust and GMG boards chose to approve the sale in principle to Tortoise.
NUJ general secretary-elect Laura Davison said that members at the Guardian and Observer were "angry and extremely disappointed that The Scott Trust and GMG board has chosen to approve the deal in principle to sell The Observer to Tortoise Media despite the Union’s call for more time to consider this and other options.
"The timing of the decision, before the end of two extremely well-supported days of action, is particularly shabby."
What do journalists want?
Journalists are seeking a pause to the exclusive transfer talks GMG is undertaking with Tortoise Media. The company has pledged £20m capital investment with plans to implement a paywall if their bid is accepted and the union has many unanswered questions. We believe readers’ concerns about their access to the valued journalism of The Observer in holding those in power to account are justified. The NUJ has not rejected proposals to modernise the title – instead, we are asking for meaningful engagement that avoids hurried negotiations.
As the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, the heritage of the Observer is hugely valued by its readers and the title plays an important role as part of the GMG family. Should a sale to Tortoise Media proceed, journalists are rightly concerned about whether the company will withstand headwinds of the media industry, and what this may mean for jobs.
The Scott Trust
The NUJ views the approach of the Scott Trust thus far, as a betrayal to its commitments to the Observer.
A motion passed by the NUJ Guardian & Observer chapel said:
The Guardian and Observer chapel believes the Scott Trust has betrayed its principles and prior commitments in agreeing to talks with a third party about the sale of the Observer newspaper.
A short-term decision based on flawed analysis puts members of our chapel at risk. The decision also has wider ramifications for the future of liberal journalism and the trust's ability to protect the Guardian, the Observer and liberal journalism in perpetuity.
We therefore, and with huge regret, must express that we have no confidence in the Scott Trust and its trustee members to pursue the trust's mandate.
The Scott Trust met on 25 November and the union urged Trust members to reverse the current approach and agree to a pause on talks. An open letter signed by over 70 prominent figures including Damian Lewis, Helena Kennedy, Hugh Grant and James O’Brien called on GMG to “retain the Observer as a key element of its seven-day print and online operation.” Signatories also noted the impact of the paywall as detrimental, stating The Guardian’s “unique voice in Britain’s national conversation will be muted.”
The Guardian Media Group bought the Observer in 1993. Of the sale, Hugo Young, chair of the Scott Trust from 1989 to 2003, said in a Guardian front-page report: “The trust safeguards will be fully extended to the Observer, which will be edited independently of the Guardian and retain its separate character”
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said:
“Journalists have delivered a clear message to the Guardian Media Group and Scott Trust over their resolve in this dispute. Industrial action is always a last resort, but deeply disappointed members have been left with no choice than to take action in their defence of the Observer’s heritage and public interest journalism. GMG has acted in poor faith, revealing hours into yesterday's negotiations that recommendation of the sale had already been agreed despite previous assurances to the contrary.
"Members at the Guardian & Observer have the full support of the NUJ as they exercise their right to strike in a move that demonstrates the unity and strength of feeling among journalists. Industrial action can be avoided by the company pausing the sale to Tortoise Media and listening to the concerns of journalists and readers.”
Six key points about the proposed sale of the Observer
Key facts on The Observer
How you can support striking journalists
- Post a message of solidarity expressing your concerns about the sale on social media. Instagram, X, Facebook, Bluesky
- Email [email protected] with a message of solidarity
- Visit pickets on strike days - information on strike day picket times will be posted on this page.
Donate to the Hardship Fund
For some, losing pay during a strike can cause hardship. Please make a donation to show solidarity with journalists. All donations are gratefully received and make a big difference. Access the Guardian & Observer journalists Hardship Fund page to donate.