DPM Pažin: Government is willing to contribute to better position of journalists in Montenegro

Podgorica, Montenegro (8 June 2018) -- Government is willing to support the Union of Media in an effort to create better social and economic conditions for the work of journalists in Montenegro, said Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin at a meeting with the leadership of the Union of Media of Montenegro.

Speaking about the process of harmonisation of the collective agreement for employees in national broadcaster RTCG, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that the Government will promptly fulfil its obligations in order to make this regulation come into force as quickly as possible, as soon as the trade union and management of the RTCG have submitted the proposed text of the agreement.

Both sides agreed on the great significance of adequately regulating labour law issues and improving the economic position of journalists for strengthening independence and professionalism of the Montenegrin journalism.

DPM Pažin supported the Union of Media's interest in actively participating in drafting new legal solutions within the Law on Electronic Media, whose development is scheduled for the next year. In that regard, he also agreed with the position of the Union that there is a significant room for upgrading the position of employees in local public broadcasters.

The meeting emphasised the responsibility and determination of the State to ensure the highest level of security and protection of the personal integrity of journalists. The Deputy Prime Minister also welcomed the initiative of the Union to sponsor a regional media conference on security, working conditions of journalists and media legislation.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER