320 EMPLOYEES SACKED FROM NETWORK 18
On Friday, 16th August 2013, Network18 group- which comprises media houses like CNN-IBN and IBN7, fired 320 of its employees without any prior notice. The employees were just called by the HR and were asked to sign the resignation. This was done as a measure for cost-cutting. The employees in question even consisted of some pregnant women, people who have bought cars and booked houses on loan, et al.
None of the employees questioned the management because of abound contractual job trend in the media houses. Most of the companies, nowadays, hire on a contract basis.
No newspapers and news channels covered this incident, except for an article in The Hindu. People of the same fraternity expressed anger and helplessness when we approached them for their views.
Many Journalists expressed concern that if things move in this fashion many other channels will continue to sack their employees. This is a sector where already job prospects are lower, and if people are fired like this, they will have no other choice but to settle down for 20-30% lesser salary, or no job at all.
Some 32 people gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday, 18th of August, to discuss the matter. A group called JOURNALISTS SOLIDARITY FORUM was formed as a result of their discussions. Journalists solidarity forum has decided to protest against retrenchment and sudden ouster of employees outside IBN7 office on the 21st of August at 2PM. Will Journalists who report everyone else’s life report their retrenchment? Why are Journalists and other professionals in post liberalized Modern India so comfortable with contracts that don’t respect worker rights.
This is a concern of every media worker. We invite journalists of other organizations also to be with us during these tough times. Journalists, activists, Human rights organizations, PUCL, PUDR, Students organizations are all requested to be present outside the office of IBN7 , Film City, sector-16, Noida, and protest against the management for this inhuman act due to which hundreds of people have become unemployed in no time at all.
(Samreen Saquib Naaz)
Hillele 