The Solidarity union has expressed concerns regarding the planned restructuring of Media24, believing it may affect more employees than was initially stated. The media corporation continues its efforts to increase resilience amid growing industry pressure, having begun consultations with staff about a new editorial operating model.
In a statement published on Thursday, Solidarity noted that contradictory notifications issued to employees under Section 189A this week have created uncertainty about the number of positions at risk. Initial notifications sent to affected personnel indicated a potential reduction of around 126 positions, particularly in sports and lifestyle editorial teams.
However, the union's labour relations organizer, Johan Russ, stated that the union now believes the impact of the restructuring process could be significantly broader. He emphasized that the notifications sent to different departments vary and cause confusion, and that, in their view, it is much wider than initially indicated.
The union demanded that Media24 disclose the full scope of the planned dismissals, including information on which specific departments and employees might be affected. Russ added that they want to see which employees in which departments are impacted—from sports and lifestyle editorial teams to business news editorial teams, as well as sales department staff and any other workers. He insists on receiving a complete and transparent picture of the planned cuts instead of vague indications.
Solidarity, which positions itself as the largest union at Media24, voiced concern that another round of layoffs is affecting employees while senior management decisions are not being properly scrutinized. The union also called on Media24 to disclose its strategic and financial plans, as well as information on the salaries of senior executives and editors. Previously, the union stated that it does not consider this latest round of layoffs to be a solution to current management problems.
The Section 189A procedure relates to large-scale dismissals under South Africa's Labour Relations Act, which requires employers to consult with affected employees and representatives before making final decisions. This latest restructuring occurred after Media24 previously confirmed cost-cutting plans amid ongoing difficulties facing the media industry.
Solidarity announced that it will continue to support members affected by the Media24 process, as well as employees affected by layoff plans at the eNCA news desk from Novus Media and eMedia, where, according to the union, up to 171 positions may be affected.
