Guardian Journalists Plan Strike Over Observer Sale to Tortoise Media

The proposed sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media has triggered strong opposition from staff, who overwhelmingly voted for industrial action to protect the paper's heritage and jobs.

Guardian and Observer journalists will stage two 48-hour strikes on December 4-5 and December 12-13 in response to the planned sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) claims Guardian Media Group (GMG) acted in bad faith, revealing its recommendation for the sale during negotiations despite earlier assurances of ongoing due diligence.
Staff are concerned about Tortoise Media's financial stability, noting its £16 million losses since 2018, and fear job security risks for the 70 Observer journalists who would transfer under the deal.
Tortoise Media has pledged £25 million in investment over five years and plans to introduce a paywall, but journalists question whether this will adequately address gaps in coverage or secure the paper's long-term future.
The Scott Trust, GMG's ultimate owner, is expected to decide on the sale soon, while rival consortiums have expressed interest in buying The Observer, including one proposing a trust to safeguard its independence.