“Many media workers are confronting lockdowns now without any job security or source of income. In the case of media giant ABS-CBN, thousands already lost their jobs. Those who retain their work face the possibility of salary cuts,” she added.
Citing University of the Philippines professor Diosa Labiste, Librado said: “Sadly, journalists were not even considered ‘frontliners’ when, in fact, they are taking risks to inform the public, on a daily basis, about COVID-19.”
She said that many journalists have lost their jobs due to media closures and layoffs, leaving them without “employment to confront the pandemic’s impact and the subsequent lockdowns.”
“This dismal situation runs parallel to the state of media companies here where lay-offs and closures have become rampant. Sunstar CDO and Bandera, as cited by NUJP, have already stopped their printing operation. Even in Davao City, and many parts in Mindanao, several newspaper outfits have turned to online platforms,” Librado pointed out.
She added that those who have been removed from their jobs must be afforded the proper process, compensation, and benefits.
“Even in a crisis, it will never be justified for employers to simply disregard the welfare of their workers, whether in the media industry or otherwise,” she said.
