In recent months, the initiative “Trade Union Strengthening and Safety in Challenging Times for Press Workers in Argentina” has promoted various actions aimed at improving union organization and developing strategies to address the sector’s challenges.

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At the end of last year, a visit was made to the San Juan Association of Press and Communication Workers (ATPREC), where union challenges were discussed, highlighting the need to democratize official advertising budgets and improve wage conditions. An open training session was also held for press workers. [Read more]

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In Salta, a discussion took place with journalists from InformateSalta about labor issues, as well as a meeting with the Salta Regional chapter of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT). In Jujuy, the 6th National Assembly of Women Press Workers was held, where strategies were analyzed to address systematic attacks and strengthen the organization of women and gender-diverse individuals.

 

Links: [Read more] [Read more]

 

In November, the 2nd Provincial Congress of Journalists, Press and Communication Workers of Corrientes was held. This event addressed key topics such as labor precarity and regulation of artificial intelligence use in journalism. [Read more]

 

Presentation of the 2024 National Report on Freedom of Expression

 

On December 9th, on the first anniversary of President Javier Milei's administration and the International Human Rights Day, the 2024 National Report on Freedom of Expression was presented. The event brought together union leaders, journalists, and human rights organizations to analyze the state of the journalism sector in the country.

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Key Findings of the Report

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• Attacks on journalists: An increase in aggressions incited by official discourse was recorded, including online harassment and physical attacks.

• Institutional violence: Cases of police violence and legal prosecution against press workers.

• Dismantling of public media: Budget cuts to Public TV, National Radio, and Télam.

• Gender-based violence: Increase in cyber harassment of women journalists and obstruction of the implementation of the Gender Equity Law in the media, which was regulated in 2023 but blocked by the current government.

• Media concentration: Policies favoring large conglomerates, restricting media plurality and harming community and independent outlets.

• Labor precarity: 76% of press workers do not earn enough to surpass the poverty line from their main source of income, and 52% hold more than one job.
   

Impact and Outlook

The presentation of the report marks a milestone in strengthening the journalism sector and highlighting the current challenges faced by both journalists and trade union organizations. This event not only emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of journalists, media outlets, unions, and human rights organizations, but also aims to:

 

• Raise awareness among key stakeholders about the multiple forms of rights violations that press workers face, including physical assaults, online harassment, gender-based violence, and labor restrictions.

• Promote systematic monitoring and documentation of attacks and violations of freedom of expression, providing a critical tool for reporting such incidents to national and international bodies.

• Strengthen strategic alliances with academic, human rights, and union organizations, consolidating support networks for a more coordinated response to attacks.

• Lay the groundwork for future joint actions aimed at countering restrictive policies, promoting the right to communication, and ensuring decent working conditions in journalism.

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Through these actions, the project continues to promote union organization and journalist safety in a challenging landscape for the press in Argentina.