EESC urges stronger labor protections for journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 4 hours ago |  JP Global Monitoring Desk

The EESC urged stronger labor rights and job security for journalists, linking press freedom to collective bargaining, social protections, and safeguards against digital threats such as AI-driven disinformation.

Summary

BRUSSELS — The European Economic and Social Committee has called for improved legal and social protections for journalists, urging European institutions and member states to address growing job insecurity and labor challenges across the media sector.

In a formal recommendation, the advisory body stressed that fair working conditions, stronger labor rights, and access to collective bargaining are essential to safeguarding press freedom and maintaining high standards of journalism in Europe.

Linking press freedom to labor protections

The EESC emphasized that journalists working under precarious contracts or unstable conditions are more vulnerable to political pressure, economic coercion, and editorial interference. According to the committee, secure employment and enforceable labor standards are fundamental to ensuring editorial independence.

The recommendation reflects a broader policy shift within European institutions that increasingly recognizes labor protections as a core component of democratic resilience and media pluralism, rather than a separate employment issue.

Addressing digital threats and disinformation

The committee also highlighted emerging digital risks, including the spread of AI-driven disinformation, online harassment, and algorithmic pressures that can undermine journalists’ safety and professional autonomy.

It urged policymakers to consider safeguards that protect journalists from technological abuses while ensuring transparency and accountability in digital platforms that shape news distribution and public debate.

The EESC noted that media unions, professional associations, and press freedom groups have repeatedly raised concerns that unchecked digital disruption, combined with weak labor protections, is eroding the sustainability of quality journalism across Europe.

KEY POINTS:

• EESC calls for stronger legal and social protections for journalists
• Recommendation highlights job insecurity and weak labor rights in the media sector
• Collective bargaining is identified as central to press freedom
• Digital threats such as AI-driven disinformation are flagged as growing risks
• Policy trend links media sustainability with labor protections

ATTRIBUTION: Based on recommendations and statements issued by the European Economic and Social Committee.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.