Prime Ministry “regrets” SNJT’s decision to go on strike next October 17

The Prime Ministry expressed “regret” at the decision taken Tuesday by the extended Executive Board of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) to proceed with a general media strike. In a press statement, a copy of which was received by TAP Tuesday, the Prime Ministry underlines that “stopping dialogue and consultation and resorting to escalation is not consistent with the real desire of all journalists and employees to promote the sector at professional and social levels and confirm its role in bringing democratic transition to a successful end.” The statement adds that the Prime Ministry believes that the decision “serves no purpose,” especially since the framework of dialogue and consultations has already been established since August 23, 2012 and implemented with representatives of the media sector, among trade unions and associations” to discuss all issues related to the sector. Moreover, the Prime Ministry recalls “the foundations on which are based its vision, its principled position and its practical policy with regard to the media sector.” This policy is grounded on “the respect of freedom of press, expression and creation, independence of the public media service and the importance of dialogue and constructive consultation to materialise these values and foundations, in accordance with international standards and as part of consensus between all sides,” adds the statement. The SNJT, Tuesday, called on journalists to go on general strike in all media institutions next October 17. The general motion issued of the enlarged executive board of SNJT said the decision to observe a general strike comes after SNJT “exhausted” all means of dialogue with the Government and talks “stalled” as a result of what it described as the “stubbornness” of the Government and its “refusal” to meet the demands of media professionals.