Sky bosses need to come clean on how UTV workers will be impacted by takeover of ITV media and entertainment
‘UTV workers shouldn't be sacrificed on the altar of profit’
Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) has said “Sky bosses need to come clean on how UTV workers will be impacted by their £1.6bn takeover of ITV media and entertainment.”
He added: “Sky and the media industry is awash with money. UTV workers shouldn't be sacrificed on the altar of profit.
“This expensive takeover should lead to a better deal and job security for workers but the announcement by Sky bosses that they need to make £200m in savings is causing uncertainty and anxiety.
“Recent years have seen UTV revenues of close to £30m, with profits in the millions. ITV reported profits of almost £450 million last year. Sky's 2024 profits were more than £250m. Sky's takeover should be about workforce investment, not redundancy threats.
“People Before Profit back calls from the National Union of Journalists for Sky to provide clear commitments on workforce investment and clarification on terms and conditions for existing staff. All media workers deserve decent pay, job security and good terms and conditions. UTV workers have our full solidarity."