“Without well-paid journalists, there is no quality journalism”
The Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SGPM) is Albania’s first nationwide union dedicated to improving the lives of journalists and media professionals. Since its launch in July 2023, the SGPM has been working tirelessly to secure fair wages, better working conditions, and greater respect for journalists’ rights. By partnering with key domestic and international organizations, the SGPM is striving to give journalists a stronger voice in the global economy.
Officially registered in February 2024, the SGPM is committed to empowering journalists through collective bargaining agreements with media employers. Our initial assessments have revealed serious challenges facing journalists in their workplace.
In our activities so far, we have assessed the problematic conditions under which journalists and media workers operate:
- Unpaid labor (insufficient, unindexed wages, and often informal payments);
- Unregulated working hours, unpaid overtime;
- Non-compliance with annual leave as stipulated in the Labor Code;
- Internal and external pressures;
- Censorship;
- Threats to life, risks;
- Prejudices;
- Lack of infrastructure and logistics;
Our vision
The SGPM aims to change the situation and conditions
in which journalists and media workers work today: dignity and respect at work together with wages and benefits
The SGPM aims to contribute to high-quality
and independent journalism, produced by well-paid journalists working under clear legal frameworks and with well-defined employment contracts
Let's work towards finalizing the status of journalists
to ensure their safety, financial security, protection, and professional integrity.
Fair compensation and other benefits
including the establishment of standard wage structures, paid leave, and health insurance.
Professional development
providing training resources and adapting media workers to the latest technology.
Diversity and inclusivity
offering equal chances to everyone, while challenging gender, racial, and ethnic prejudices.
