Africa: World Day for Decent Work - 'Journalists Should Recognise Themselves As Workers and Fight for Our Collective Struggles,' Says IFJ

What the report says

The International Federation of Journalists used World Day for Decent Work to argue that journalists and other media workers should see themselves as workers with shared interests in fair pay, safe conditions and the right to organise. In a press release distributed through AllAfrica, the federation said decent work in the media sector often falls short of International Labour Organization standards for dignity, equality, fair remuneration and safety.

The statement, dated 7 October 2026 and attributed to the IFJ in Brussels, said media workers around the world frequently face long hours, precarious contracts and pay that does not cover basic living costs. It pointed to examples from several countries, including Africa, where a recent survey by the Federation of African Journalists was cited as showing worsening conditions for journalists. The release also referenced concerns in Namibia, Hong Kong, the United States, Germany, Costa Rica and Türkiye as examples of disputes over discipline, dismissals, bargaining, strikes and working conditions.

The IFJ said unions have played a central role in defending media workers and winning improvements, including wage gains and the preservation of jobs or services in some cases. The federation called on news organisations and governments to guarantee fair wages, dignity at work, protection in the field and online, a role in technology-related changes, and strong collective agreements.

IFJ President Zuliana Lainez said journalists are workers and that decent work is a basic right, not a privilege. The broader context is a long-running debate in the media industry about precarious employment and the tension between journalistic mission and labour rights.