Next Media staff up in arms over salary cut despite talks with Lai

Tensions are still running high at Next Media, where plans for salary reductions at the city's most profitable publisher have turned staff increasingly militant. There is even talk of a trade union being formed.

Executives are attempting to ease tensions, but warnings there could be further pay reductions ahead have not gone down well.

Next Media staff are paid above the industry standard, with the company awarding a 13-month annual package, compared with the usual 12-month package at most publishers. Staff also get a year-end bonus of half a month's salary.

Workers have had talks with management over the past week to voice their discontent over the proposed salary cut of 3.5 per cent and plans for new employment contracts more in tune with the tough economic conditions.

Media Eye reported last week that all staff at the publisher of Apple Daily and Next Magazine will face a salary cut from next month. They will lose their jobs if they reject the arrangement, which is due to be finalised before Friday.

While staff have held back from calling a strike, it is understood that Next chairman Jimmy Lai Chee-ying was concerned enough to meet several middle-level and junior staff to exchange views earlier this week.