The main job of the union is to improve the financial and professional situation.
Freedom of speech is the foundation of a democratic society. Good journalistic practice is based on the public’s right to have access to facts and opinions.
The UJF is an independent trade union that negotiates collective bargaining agreements. It works to further the financial, social and professional standing of its members, both salaried and freelancers.
The union’s members include people who are employees or freelance journalists and who work for the press, broadcasting, publishing and online media.
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The UJF has expressed concern at the worsening situation in Belarus and the treatment of journalists trying to carry out their work.
The police have violently put down protests that erupted following the presidential elections. Violence has also been used in some places specifically to stop the free flow of information. At least 25 journalists have been arrested. Violence has been used against many others.
The UJF has called on Finnish foreign minister Pekka Haavisto to condemn the violence levelled at journalists to block the free flow of information.
A joint statement by Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers on the situation in Belarus voices “concern about the violence against post-election demonstrations” but does not mention attacks on the media.
Journalists and free media already have extremely difficult conditions to work in Belarus. The local independent organization of journalists, the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), operating in a risky climate, has for twenty years continuously supported their members and reported on numerous assaults. They have never experienced anything like this before.