The SafeJournalists Network, together with the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and its Albanian affiliates raise alarm over recent reports of alleged violations of journalists’ labour rights at ABC News Albania, one of the main private television.
Information received from numerous journalists indicates that ABC News management may have unilaterally and without prior notice initiated changes to employment contracts, replacing regular agreements with freelance contracts. These changes have reportedly affected up to ten journalists, including reporters, correspondents, and camera operators, across Albania. Fearing retaliation from management, local stakeholders, and negative media reports, the journalists requested anonymity.
According to journalists’ claims, these changes were initially communicated informally via messaging platforms and subsequently by email. Additionally, we have been informed of concerns regarding alleged sudden dismissals of several camera operators who have significantly contributed to ABC News’ daily reporting activities. These alleged contractual changes could undermine job security, economic stability, and professional protections, potentially placing media workers under increased financial and social pressure. Journalists have expressed concern that such measures would negatively impact working conditions and force employees to resign.
The reluctance of journalists to speak publicly due to fear of reprisal further underscores concerns about an environment of uncertainty and pressure within parts of the Albanian media sector.
We call upon ABC News management to provide immediate clarification regarding the reported contractual changes, engage transparently with employees, and ensure full compliance with national labour standards.
We also urge the Albanian State Labour Inspectorate to thoroughly and transparently investigate these reports and take relevant measures to support journalists and media workers, who deserve to work in a secure environment. We further encourage the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) to evaluate the risks of such alleged practices for media freedom, professional journalism, and editorial independence, ensuring adherence to standards promoted by the Council of Europe.
The ongoing Structured Dialogue on Media in Albania must also swiftly leverage its existing mechanisms and propose concrete recommendations to significantly improve labour rights and secure working conditions for journalists and media professionals. Additionally, we call upon journalist associations, media organisations, unions, civil society actors, and international partners to actively demonstrate solidarity with affected media workers and advocate collectively for strengthened labour standards to ensure effective protection of journalists’ rights and the promotion of decent working conditions throughout Albania’s media sector.
The SafeJournalists Network and the EFJ stand in full solidarity with all journalists and media workers affected by this situation. SafeJournalists Network will closely follow developments regarding this matter and remain firmly supportive of all journalists and media professionals in Albania.
SafeJournalists Network
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Association of Professional Journalists of Albania (APJA)
Association of Journalist of Albania AGSH
The source: IJAS
Photo by: Canva
