News

UNI Global Union and the entire trade union community in the public service broadcasting sector is supporting Spanish trade unions in their protests against closing down the regional public service television RTVV (Radio Television Valenciana).

This week the Valencia regional government of Alberto Fabra decided to close down RTVV, following a judgement of the Supreme Court of Valencia which overruled the collective dismissal of 1000 RTVV workers. It is the first time that a regional government in Spain decides the closing down of a public TV. However, this unprecedented decision may be followed by other regions in Spain. The Government of Madrid already announced it will take a similar decision if the Court of Madrid declares null the collective redundancies announced one year ago.

Spanish trade unions CCOO, UGT and other unions denounce the disrespect of the Court’s ruling and strongly oppose the closure of a company whose deficiencies are not attributable to debts.

UNI Global Union and all its affiliates support the staff of RTVV, our affiliates CCOO and UGT and our sisters and brothers of the Journalists Union as well as with all citizens who support RTVV.  We join our colleagues’ call to all citizens, organisations to come to the RTVV headquarters and show their support to RTVV at the demonstration tomorrow in Valencia. UNI Global Union calls on all unions and civil society to help defend freedom of speech in Spain.

UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings said: “UNI Global Unions firmly opposes the closing down of RTVV and considers the decision of the regional government of Valencia as a frontal attack against labour rights and the rule of law”.

“In the name of austerity and economic crisis national and regional governments across Europe continue to attack public service radio and television and flout democratic values and the rule of law. Following what is happening in Greece and Spain, the EU cannot anymore simply close its eyes and remain silent before these severe threats. The EU Institutions must wake up and publicly defend public service broadcasting across Europe”, said UNI Europa Regional Secretary Oliver Röthig.

UNI MEI President Gerry Morrissey declared “We stand in solidarity with RTVV workers and Spanish unions to defend public service broadcasting. What happens in Valencia is inadmissible and shocking and totally disrespects basic democratic principles”.  

“RTVV is economically viable. It belongs to the citizens of the region of Valencia. We call on the regional government of Valencia to reverse its anti-democratic decision immediately”, said EURO-MEI President William Maunier