19 Contracts breakthrough at RTÉ


Following a protracted campaign led by the NUJ, journalists and other workers employed on bogus self-employed contracts are set to have their right to proper employment contracts vindicated at RTÉ.


Up to 157 workers at RTÉ may have been


misclassified as self-employed, resulting in their losing out on certain employment benefits, according to a review of employment status by Eversheds Sutherland. The Eversheds Sutherland report showed that


of the 433 contracts reviewed, 106 – or 25 per cent – were assessed as "having attributes akin to employment" and requiring individual review. A further 51 contracts – 12 per cent – were


found to have attributes akin to both employment and self-employment and would also require review, though after the first cohort of 106.


The remaining 276 were deemed not to be normally considered as employees, so no further review would be required. Séamus Dooley, Irish Secretary, said: “The


RTÉ trade union group is now engaged in a comprehensive process with RTÉ. By the end of the year the majority of those falsely identified as ‘freelances’ should finally secure proper contracts. There are many issues to be resolved, including the issue of back-payment to those wrongly denied sick pay, holidays and maternity entitlements. The report merely proved what the NUJ knew – that the state broadcaster was treating employees as ‘freelances’. “This was unacceptable and our campaign has finally yielded results,” Séamus said. “It is an exasperating process but at this stage an Eversheds expert is slowly and painstakingly examining each contract. We need to get this right and to end this practice once and for all.”


Standing strong, standing together EDITOR’S NOTE


The arrests of journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, and police raids on their homes and the offices of Fine Point Films, makers of the documentary, “No Stone Unturned”, have sparked anger and outrage here and abroad. This is a shocking attack on media freedom. The NUJ and its members stand with Barry and Trevor, supported in solidarity by ICTU, Amnesty International, the families of the men who were murdered at Loughinisland, and those who have signed the NUJ petition condemning the arrests. This isn’t over. We are always stronger when we stand


together. Today, in the face of increasing assaults on media integrity and media freedom, this is more important than ever. * * *


The NUJ will also stand with trade unions,


political parties, students’ unions, housing agencies and community groups at the Raise the Roof rally called by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to demand action on the housing crisis. The rally takes place at Leinster House from 12.30 to 2pm on Wednesday, October 3rd. All members who can attend are encouraged to attend, to make their voices heard on this critical issue.


* * * The Irish Journalist wants to hear from you. If


there is something you would like to see covered, let us know. You can contact the Irish Journalist by email at irishjournalist@nuj.ie. Please do.


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