Network of Free-lance Journalists Established

29 May 2006

A regional network of free-lance journalists of Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav republics was established in Belgrade, at the regional meeting organized by the International Federation of Journalists IFJ and the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS).

The meeting was supported by the European Commission, adopted several conclusions on the problems faced by free-lance journalists working in the region. The organizers called on all free-lance reporters in Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, B&H, Croatia, Macedonia and Bulgaria to �take active participation in the processes of implementation of professional, legal and social rights, to secure their professional status in the society��, and to organize themselves in professional associations and trade unions.

The free-lancers, concluded the gathering, should cooperate with the professional associations and trade unions to be able to participate in the signing of collective bargain agreement on national level, which will define the rights and obligations of the journalists.

"Free-lance journalists can�t be used as cheap labour force and be subject to manipulation by the employers or other structure of power, since it is damaging to investigative, quality journalism and the profession in general�, state the conclusions of the meeting.

A message was sent to all reporters in the region, and freelancers in particular, that solidarity, exchange of experience and legal, moral and other support need to be the bases for development and improvement of regional cooperation in the profession.

�We don�t even know the number of freelance reporters in our country. One thing is certain, though, the status of freelancers in Serbia is the worst in the region�, said Nadezda Gace, NUNS President, in her opening remarks and added that the status was �rather tragic�. She announced a survey that should provide exact information on the number and status of journalists in Serbia.

Snezana Djokic, NUNS lawyer reminded the gathering that Serbian legislation makes no difference between freelancers and part-time journalists.

"In some media companies the journalists work for over 10 years without a single day of experience and documented proof that they work in those companies. They don�t have social, health and retirement insurance, can�t use paid vacation, and the salaries are paid in cash, if paid at all�, said Djokic.

In her view, one reason for such a behaviour of the employers lies in the lack of solidarity between the journalists, for fear of loosing their jobs, which prevents efficient solution of lawsuits.

The participants from Slovenia, B&H, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Bulgaria presented their experiences and specific status of freelance journalists in their respective countries.