15. 02. 2011

Salaries for journalists late

Kragujevac, February 15, 2011 (Blic) - The strike at the Kragujevac weekly "Svetlost" and fire at IN Television studio, because of which 30 journalists were left jobless, are the last in a series of examples of bad position of journalists in the capital of Sumadija region. Journalist of the local weekly "Svetlost" existing for 75 years, have not received their salaries for the pay period of up to 14 months. Taxes and contributions have not been paid for them for 20 months. They are on strike but nobody reacts.

"Our salaries are between 18.000 and 22.000 dinars. The last we got was in November and it was January salary. It turns out that we have been working for 1800 dinars per month. Nobody sued the company because we believe it is not all right. Nobody has alternative employment option. We have hope, the employer gives a promise, but this is too much. We don't know what is going to happen, and the salaries is the only thing we ask for", said Srdja Rihterovic, the president of the syndicate and the strike board of "Svetlost".

Gvozden Jovanovic, one of the owners and the president of the Managing Board of this paper, says that the company reports losses. "I bought the company and gave the freedom to the director, editors and journalists. They have not managed to make it lucrative and this is the reason why there is no money. As for me, the paper may shut down and salaries will be paid since the property value is much higher", Gvozden Jovanovic says.

The owners also owe money to journalists of the burned down TV In.

The journalists' associations are mostly silent. Branko Vuckovic, NUNS/IJAS Commissioner for Sumadija says that this association is only obliged to help its members.