Fairfax Strikewatch: Back In The Trenches

After having decided to strike last Thursday to protest Fairfax Media’s proposed job cuts, sacking frenzy and general evil overlord behaviour – and leaving the weekend editions hollow shells in their absence – striking Fairfax journalists are back on the job today. And after threatening striking staff with lock-outs in an epic corporate sook of “You’re not coming to my party and we’re not friends anymore!” proportions, it looks as though Fairfax bosses have cooled their heels somewhat, too.

The threats were made during talks in Sydney between union officials and Fairfax executives Lloyd Whish-Wilson, Michael Gill and Greg Moses.

The MEAA retaliated by threatening court injunctions if any lockouts proceeded.

But Fairfax management changed its mind yesterday, making the improved offer that was accepted by the union.

It looks likely that the MEAA will also ask the Sydney Morning Herald to re-employ columnist Mike Carlton, who (as linked above) was sacked in a Fairfax hissy fit after he refused to file his column for the weekend paper since it was tantamount to crossing a (virtual) picket line. Cold comfort, no doubt, for booted Age editor-in-chief Andrew Jaspan, who is likely affixing Fairfax big wig headshots to his dartboard.