By William Madouk
Section of Journalists working with City Review and Al-Hagiga newspapers – sisterly outlets owned by Rak Media Group have laid down tools over low payment compared to their expatriate colleagues.
In a statement obtained by our outlet, they have demanded better pay in light of economic hardship and currency instability.
“We, the journalists working for the City Review and Al-Hagiga (Arabic) newspaper, author this letter to express our deepest concern and clear the air on the recent events that led to changes in editorial contents for these esteemed papers,” the statement said.
Due to strike by national staff, the twin newspapers have been lately filled with stories sourced from various online agencies.
“We would like to make it clear that we the national staff (journalists) have been staging an industrial go-slow since July 24, 2024 to push management of RAK MEDIA to listen to our grievances concerning the low payment structure,” it added.
According to the statement, the staff claimed hat they had notified the management in writing over increment, however, all they got was a bucket of intimidations.
According to striking journalists, their demand for increment was necessary because national staff are paid in local currency which keep losing its value against the USD on daily basis.
For instance, an expatriate in the editorial department earns $2,500 including free accommodation, transport, air tickets, airtime and meal just to mention but a few, they said.
Adding that the highest paid national staff receives less than a hundred dollar being paid in local currency, South Sudan pounds.
“Considering the prevailing economic situation, we requested the management to review our salaries, a request that has been met with intimidation and downright arrogance.”
“While we continue to acknowledge the role of expatriates play, we therefore appeal to the management to also appreciate these facts and address our complaints.”
The journalists vowed to continue engaging management of Rak Media to ensure that they develop a policy that values the efforts of national staff, as they continue with strike until their demand are met.
Reacting to the matter, the Chief Operation Officer for Rak Media Group, R. M Rajadurai claimed he was not aware but stated that he is rushing to the office to clean up the dust.
“I was not aware of that, I receive the call now then I call the news editor and he said some group has posted this kind of demonstration that is why I am going on my way to the office, I will check and give you update,” he told No1. Citizen Newspaper.
He noted that he will be meeting with national staff to hear their grievances and see how the management would address the matter.
Mr. Rajadurai wondered why the hasty from the journalists, adding that “I am going to meet them now (yesterday), I want to know first from them whether it is a campaign to rescue or what I don’t know.”