By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM), along with five allied unions, has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. This important agreement includes the Croatian Journalists’ Union (SNH), the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers of Macedonia (SSNM), the Journalists’ Union of Serbia (SINOS), the Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS), and the Sectoral Union of Culture, Arts and Media “Independence” from Serbia.
The main objective of the Memorandum is to establish a framework for cooperation to jointly work on improving working conditions for media workers. The signatories will collaborate on enhancing working conditions in the media within their countries, adhering to European standards, advocating for the rights of journalists and other media workers, promoting collective agreements, sharing best practices, and encouraging inclusion and diversity in the media sector.
In accordance with the conclusions of the annual meeting of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) held on June 23-24, 2024, in Pristina, the signatories of the Memorandum will actively cooperate and support the EFJ in securing funding for the potential renewal of the LAREG+ program for the period 2025-2029. Additionally, they will support regional cooperation by helping unions establish a regional network for labor rights and ensure the sustainability of this network through projects or other means.
Our Activities
- Improving Working Rights: Jointly advocating for the improvement of journalists’ working rights in the countries where the signatory unions operate. Identifying key issues faced by media workers and creating a regional response to emerging challenges.
- Monitoring European Standards: Monitoring the development of European standards related to media freedoms and the improvement of journalists’ positions, and creating joint initiatives for legislative changes.
- Advocacy: Collaborating in advocating for journalists’ rights and interests at national and supranational levels, including presenting unified stances on policy proposals.
- Promoting Collective Agreements: Raising awareness about the importance of collective agreements in the media sector and working on their establishment and maintenance.
- Exchanging Best Practices and Knowledge: Organizing joint workshops, seminars, and conferences to exchange experiences and strategies that can improve journalists’ working conditions.
- Engaging Young Journalists and Journalism Students: Involving young journalists and journalism students in union activities through mentorships, internships, and educational initiatives.
- Highlighting the Position of Female Journalists: Advocating for gender equality, addressing issues like pay gaps and workplace harassment, and promoting leadership opportunities for women.
- Promoting Inclusion and Diversity: Actively promoting inclusiveness and diversity in the media sector and supporting underrepresented groups.
- International Cooperation: The parties will actively cooperate with other media unions operating within the European and International Federation of Journalists to build a stronger network of organizations fighting to improve working conditions in the media and preserve the journalism profession.
How We Will Work
The parties will meet regularly, at least twice a year, to monitor progress, discuss challenges, and plan future activities in line with the Memorandum’s goals. They may also establish joint committees or working groups to address specific issues or projects, ensuring open and transparent communication and timely sharing of relevant information.
This Memorandum represents a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation and improving working conditions for journalists across the region, while simultaneously promoting media freedom and the safety of journalists in the workplace.
