#SomosTélam – Support news agency workers' fight for jobs

More than 350 journalists and media workers – 40% of the workforce - have been sacked by the Argentine news agency Télam. The dismissals are an attack on union organization and media diversity and put at risk the future of the whole agency. They represent a brutal attempt by the government to control the editorial content of the agency.

The redundancies have even been ruled unlawful by the courts but the government refuses to reinstate the sacked journalists.

The workers were selected for redundancy based on their alleged political views and union activities by a new government-appointed management.

The workers – members of the Union of Press Workers of Buenos Aires are seeking redress. They have staged demonstrations, are filing a court action and are considering a complaint to the ILO. And they need your support.

Here’s how you can help:

• Use the model letter (in English and Spanish) and send it to Argentine President Mauricio Macri calling for reinstatement of the workers - [email protected]

• Send a message of support to Telam workers at [email protected] and [email protected]

• Follow the workers on social media #SomosTélam Twitter: @somostelam Facebook: facebook.com/somostelam - Instagram -

• Make representations to the Argentine embassy in your country – https://www.mrecic.gov.ar/en/representaciones - see the model letter in English and Spanish

 

For more background information on the dispute

https://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinion/Journalism-Has-Lost-Argentinas-Telam-News-Agency-Axes-Staff-20180629-0013.html

https://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Argentine-Court-Demands-Telam-Reinstate-Axed-Journalists-20180713-0016.html

http://www.ifj.org/nc/fr/news-single-view/category/reports-publications-3/article/argentina-nueva-oleada-de-despidos-en-la-agencia-estatal-de-noticias-telam/