Alliance members have been working hard to roll over collective agreements in their workplaces in the lead-up to the introduction of the Howard Government’s repressive WorkChoices laws. Only collective agreements and strong union membership can protect workers’ rights in the face of the WorkChoices assault.

Negotiations for a new FCN Victoria agreement saw a very strong uptake in Alliance membership, particularly by younger journalists. Alliance membership at FCN Victoria rose from 35% before the agreement negotiations began to more than 80%.

The members at FCN Victoria were involved in a fully democratic process that carefully sought member approval of every aspect of the negotiations. The strong take-up of membership directly translated into coordinated action that resulted in a vastly improved, and fairer, agreement.

The agreement includes a number of new measures, including allowances and other conditions in line with the Fairfax metropolitan dailies award, and the reinforcement of a quota system for journalists on any particular grading to ensure that there is a fair progression of journalists into higher grades. Most importantly, members won a pay increase of 11.5% over three years – the highest that has been negotiated within print media over the past couple of years.

FCN Victoria publishes 33 suburban and regional newspapers.