Guardian and Observer Journalists Begin Two-Day Strike

Journalists at the Guardian and its sister publication, the Observer, are conducting a two-day strike. This action is in protest against the proposed sale of the Sunday newspaper to Tortoise Media. This marks the first strike at the Guardian in over five decades, occurring on Wednesday and Thursday (December 4 and 5). Tortoise is led by James Harding, who previously served as editor of the Times and director of BBC News. A spokesperson for the Guardian stated that while the organization “recognise the strength of feeling” regarding the potential sale and “appreciate that NUJ [National Union of Journalists] members wish to make their views heard,” they “do not believe a strike is the best course of action” currently. The spokesperson further added, “We have a plan in place to minimise the impact of strike action on staff, readers and subscribers and we will continue to publish online and produce the print edition as usual.” The newspaper indicated that readers in the UK might observe certain alterations to the Guardian’s daily website and its print editions on Wednesday and Thursday due to the strike. Last month, members of the NUJ approved a motion asserting that the sale of the Observer to Tortoise would constitute a “betrayal” of the pledge made by the Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian Media Group (GMG), to the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper. Should the sale proceed, Observer employees have been informed they have the option to accept voluntary redundancy with enhanced terms or to transfer to Tortoise under their current contract conditions. Anna Bateson, GMG’s managing director, confirmed in an email to staff that “constructive talks [around the sale] will continue” with the aim “to protect Observer staff if this deal progresses.” She also mentioned that freelance contracts would be prolonged until the close of September 2025, followed by renegotiation. Ole Jacob Sunde, Chair of the Scott Trust, reportedly informed staff: “Throughout the process our goal has always been to do what is right for Guardian and Observer readers and staff so that both titles continue to promote liberal journalism and thrive long into the future.” The Guardian reported that Sunde further stated the Scott Trust would remain a part-owner of the Observer in any potential agreement, and that the prospective owners would be required to “embody the values of editorial independence, press freedom and liberal journalism.” Sunde proceeded by saying, “I fully respect people’s rights to take industrial action.” Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary-elect, commented that the journalists on strike “have the full backing” of the union as they “undertake this significant industrial action.” She further remarked, “The massive vote to take this step shows journalists’ desire to publicly highlight to readers and those in charge their collective concerns about the future of the title.” Davison observed that the 233-year-old Sunday newspaper “holds a unique and important place in public life and our members care about the next chapter in its history.” Harding has indicated that his company’s proposed acquisition presents an opportunity to invest in the publication and prolong its legacy. In September, it was disclosed that Tortoise had presented an offer to the Guardian Media Group, proposing an investment of approximately £25 million over the subsequent five years for the “editorial and commercial renewal” of the Observer. A spokesperson for GMG stated: “We respect the right of NUJ members to strike. We continue to publish online and in print and are working to minimise the impact on staff and readers. Our priority is to make sure the Observer’s journalism continues to have a leading role in the liberal media landscape.”