Shillong (Meghalaya) , Sept 11 : Around a dozen staffers of The Shillong Times have decided to stand in solidarity with the three senior journalists—EM Jose (News Editor), Nabamita Mitra (Features Editor) and Dipankar Roy (Executive Editor)—whose services were terminated for `Covid-19 generated reasons’ with effect from September 1, when they were in quarantine, although they were served the letters only on September 7; no prior intimation was given to them.
They condemned the management’s decision, which we feel is unethical and unjust, and as colleagues, we strongly object to such unwarranted ill-treatment meted out to the three senior members of the staff who have all along put in their best efforts in the interest of the newspaper.
Following the termination of their services, the 12 employees have started a protest from Sept 9 and on the same day a letter was sent to the management demanding their reinstatement. They have resolved not to work until the matter is settled.
They also to clarified that none of the agitating staff, who are protesting against the illegal termination of services of the three senior journalists, have RESIGNED as is being spread in some quarters with seemingly malicious motive.
They said that they have sent letters to the management but till now there is no response from their side.
On the other hand that the management is trying to hire staff at a time when the company is said to be in dire financial state because of Covid- 19 related reasons which have forced it to resort to hefty pay cuts for the past four months.
They made it very clear that the protest is against the termination of services of our three extremely dedicated and sincere colleagues and have no intention to harm the reputation of the organisation which is in its 75th year.
They have demanded to reinstate their colleagues at the earliest.
In a statement they said that they are compelled to release this statement since they haven’t heard from the management even after three days of submitting the letter.
They will continue with their protest till their demand is met but resignation is not in their mind and it will never be.
They made it clear through the statement that dialogue and not resignation is the agenda as they want their voices to be heard as injustice meted to their colleagues needs to be rectified and undone.
