Despite staff and community resistance, Fairfax has confirmed it will send 41 Hunter newspaper jobs to New Zealand.
The decision comes despite weeks of talks between the media giant and the union.
For more on how The Herald workers responded the news, watch our extended interview with Herald sub-editor Eddie O’Reilly, and employees Rosmarie Milsom and John Gilmour.
For shame, Fairfax!! When will corporations realise that they cannot continue to demand loyalty from their employees if they themselves are not prepared to show that same loyalty?
How can you be so arbitrary and dispassionate about the fate of your loyal employees here in Newcastle, the Illawarra and elsewhere in Australia? How is someone in New Zealand, or any other country, going to be competent to make editorial decisions about the content of OUR local newspaper? At least when I have written letters to the editor, I have been confident that any changes or omissions will be made by a local person who is aware of and interested in the subject about which I am writing.
What will happen regarding the classifieds, especially deaths, funerals and legal notices? I am employed in a legal office and am concerned that your proposed editorial changes may compromise the integrity of Court notices.
I cannot believe you are determined to proceed with your plans despite the viable, alternative proposals put forward by the people who are going to be so affected and disadvantaged by your decision.
I am certain that my disappointment and distress are echoed by thousands of others. Please do not be so quick to dismiss public opinion lightly.
Yours faithfully,
Toni Davies