On the occasion of International Labor Day, the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) expresses serious concern about the extremely unfavorable position of journalists and media workers in Serbia, which is reflected in unsafe working conditions and limited working rights.
IJAS emphasizes that nothing has changed compared to previous years. The work is still uncertain, the fees are low, while the pressures come from all sides, in all forms, often as threats, but also physical attacks.
The annual report of IJAS, Indicators for the Level of Media Freedom, has shown for years that the social and economic position of journalists and media workers is unfavorable. Working conditions are bad, and one of the key problems is working in an unsafe environment, without guaranteed labor rights and adequate legal protection. Journalists often do not have permanent employment; many work part-time – without the right to sick leave, paid vacation, or social insurance. Sometimes they are blackmailed with contracts for temporary and occasional jobs, on the principle of “take it or leave it”. Freelancers remain invisible in the legislative framework, and there are many who work on precarious non-employment contracts without adequate legal protection.
Journalists and media workers face extremely unfavorable working conditions, while the position of local journalists is particularly difficult. The most common sources of dissatisfaction are low wages, lack of overtime pay, non-respect of working hours, but also constant uncertainty regarding the survival of media companies.
Many journalists, especially young ones, are exposed to insecure contracts and constant pressure, which seriously affects their mental health. Because of this, more and more of them, especially in local areas, leave the profession or are forced to do additional jobs outside of journalism in order to survive.
Unions are almost non-existent in private media, while some employers actively discourage unionization. Only a small number of media have collective agreements that protect labor rights, and systemic protection is almost non-existent.
Last year, IJAS recorded 166 attacks and pressures on journalists, 17 of which were physical attacks. It is worrying that by May 1 this year, 116 attacks and pressures (13 physical attacks) had already been recorded.
Such data indicate a serious crisis in the profession, which directly threatens the freedom of the media and the quality of information for citizens.
Systemic measures are needed to improve the economic position of journalists, ensure labor rights and protect against pressures, especially at the local level, in order to preserve this crucial profession.
That is why IJAS calls on institutions, which have a key role in improving the position of journalists, to urgently take measures that will create a safe and secure environment for journalists.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, May 1, 2025
