Journalists protest in front of Geo offices over wage delay

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 December 2018

In Islamabad, journalists rallied in front of Geo TV offices to demand overdue salaries. The protest, organized by the RIUJ, reflects serious concerns in the media sector.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Journalists on Tuesday protested in front of the Geo TV offices against the organization's inordinate delay in paying wages to employees.

The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) organized the protest.

A large number of journalists had gathered for the demonstration despite the cold weather.

Afzal Butt, President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), said the Pakistani media was passing through its worst period.

Ideally, he pointed out that to cope with such a situation, all stakeholders should have worked out a way.

He said it was a pity he received no positive response from All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters’ Association (PBA), and Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) to whom he wrote letters to resolve the crisis.

The union leader said the media workers were now wondering if this crisis was created intentionally to bring them onto the roads.

He said although the workers were not being paid it was strange that the electricity, gas, and water supplies of the news organizations were not cut off due to non-payment.

He insisted that all stakeholders get together to resolve the issue.

Butt said, he had suggested that all newspapers publish an identical editorial on a given day, and then publish one-page blank; and as a third step, television channels leave their screens blank for 10 minutes before their news bulletins.

Ali Raza Alvi, RIUJ General-Secretary regretted that whenever Geo has had to go through bad times in the past, the union had stood by them.

He made it clear that this protest was the first step, and warned of severe measures if Geo management did not pay staff salaries and dues.

Tariq Chaudhry, President of National Press Club, and General-Secretary Shakeel Anjum, also made speeches.

KEY POINTS:

• Journalists protested against wage delays at Geo TV offices.
• RIUJ organized the demonstration despite cold weather.
• Union leaders expressed frustration over unresolved salary issues.
• Afzal Butt suggested collective action from media stakeholders.
• Warnings of further action if salaries are not paid.