Since June 2021, Australian freelancers for The Guardian have been campaigning for a collective agreement to codify minimum rates and fair work conditions. There have been some wins along the way, but Guardian management still won't give freelancers a say in how they are engaged. Guardian is beginning to fall behind as other publications negotiate with their freelance contributors as a collective. Join your fellow freelancers in writing to management to demand a fair go.
Write to Guardian Management
“An individualised system of precarious labour will inevitably result in adverse outcomes for the most vulnerable and isolated workers.”
Guardian Freeelance Delegates

What we’re seeking:

Collective bargaining and representation
Fair minimum rates with annual increases to keep up with the cost of living
Superannuation for a secure retirement
Timely payment following submission
Other rights and protections as outlined in the MEAA Freelance Charter 

  • June 2021 – Freelancers at the Guardian start meeting along with MEAA representatives after discovering that pay rates were as low as $170 per article for some sections.
  • July 2021 – Freelancers pass a resolution in solidarity with in-house staff: ‘As MEAA members and freelancers, we are committed to working with staff at the Guardian to improve pay and conditions for staff and freelancers together.’
  • July 2021 – Guardian lifts freelance rates slightly but some contributions continue to be paid less than the published rates.
  • Sept 2021 – Over 270 contributors and supporters sign an open letter calling on Guardian management to codify minimum freelance rates and conditions in a formal agreement with the MEAA. Guardian declines to meet with our elected delegates.
  • Early 2022- Freelancers plan for a Twitter Day of Action on 31 May 2022. At the last minute, Guardian management agrees to a meeting with freelance delegates and MEAA representatives.
  • 25 May 2022- Guardian management (managing director Dan Stinton and managing editor Alison Rourke) meet with freelance delegates and MEAA representatives. Dan Stinton says he understands why we want a collective agreement but he needs approval from the UK head office and will get back to us after his UK trip. 
  • July 2022- Guardian management responds, refusing to negotiate a collective agreement.
  • Late 2022- MEAA freelancers make meaningful progress in improving rates and conditions at other publications. Nine commits to a new freelance policy with minimum rates, kill fees, and payment within 30 days of acceptance, rather than on publication. Private Media (Crikey, The Mandarin, Smart Company) agrees to begin negotiating a freelance agreement once its staff agreement is finalised.
  • Jan 2023 – Overland becomes the first Australian publication to endorse the MEAA Freelance Charter, signing a collective agreement with freelance contributors.
  • June 2023 – In light of progress at other publications, freelancers write to Guardian management to request a meeting to negotiate a freelance agreement.
  • Guardian management respond, refusing again to negotiate a freelance agreement.