An Odessa journalist has gone on a hunger strike due to a conflict with his editorial staff
Odessa-based journalist Dmitry Bakaev has announced an indefinite hunger strike in protest of changes to his working conditions at the publication “Dumskaya.”
According to the journalist, he had worked at the publication for about 10 years, but his articles had hardly been published at all over the past two months. He was subsequently offered a shift to a freelance payment structure—receiving payment only for articles that the editorial staff accepts for publication. Bakaev considers this to be a de facto dismissal.
The journalist stated that he is not demanding to be reinstated. He wants an apology and to secure a symbolic donation to the account of the “Center for Journalistic Unity.”
The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine reported that it had received information about Bakaev’s hunger strike. The organization’s lawyers are currently reviewing the circumstances of the situation.
Meanwhile, Yuriy Basyuk, editor-in-chief of “Dumskaya,” stated that back in August he personally informed Bakaev about the transition to a freelance basis and explained the editorial policy. According to him, the journalist received his last salary in September and has not submitted any articles, topics, or demands since then.
Source: National Union of Journalists of Ukraine / Ukrinform
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