Freedom and Struggle: Ümit Kartal’s Message on January 10

Ümit Kartal, a prominent figure in the journalism industry, has recently shed light on the challenges faced by journalists, emphasizing the importance of organized work and solidarity. In a powerful message, Kartal highlighted one of the fundamental problems faced by journalists – not being employed in accordance with the Press Labor Law. He expressed concerns about the widespread practice of uninsured employment due to the shrinking of the sector and the cost-cutting policies of media owners, stating that this undermines the credibility of the journalism profession.

The Call for Organized Efforts

Kartal pointed out another significant issue – the lack of unionization among journalists. He mentioned that only three local newspapers nationwide have signed a collective bargaining agreement with the Turkey Journalists’ Union (TGS), all of which are based in Izmir. This situation underscores the importance of unionization in the journalism sector.

January 10: A Day of Struggle

Kartal emphasized that the observance of January 10 as Working Journalists’ Day has been reduced to mere panels and award ceremonies, neglecting the need for it to be transformed into a day of advocacy for journalists’ rights. He highlighted the fact that journalists’ needs are not met with breakfasts or gift packages at meetings but rather require a focus on addressing professional issues.

Kartal praised Iz Gazete as a pioneer in local media unionization, highlighting the various rights they offer to employees through collective bargaining agreements. He mentioned rights such as menstrual leave, birthday leave, and May 1 bonuses, which serve as examples for the sector and should be extended to other local newspapers.

Continuing the Fight for the Future of Journalism

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the media industry, Kartal stressed the need for updating journalistic methods to keep up with the times. He underscored the economic challenges faced by local media outlets and emphasized the vital importance of patience and perseverance during this process.

Kartal’s message is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by journalists and the solutions that need to be implemented, highlighting the significance of solidarity and organization. The call for January 10 to be a day of advocating for rights has given new meaning to Working Journalists’ Day.