The statement below was released by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance on June 12 in solidarity with the more than 2600 workers at Greece's public broadcaster ERT who are fighting the governmkent's decision to close the station. Underneath it is a June 13 statement of support from the Andrew Dettmer, national president of the Australian Manufactoring Workers Union.

The government announced the station's closure on June 11, sparking huge protests. ERT workers have occupied ERT and are continuing to broadcast via channels and radio stations of left groups.

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The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance -- Australia's journalists' union -- strongly supports the 2500 employees of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) who have been sacked after the Greek government decided to shut down the public broadcaster’s TV and radio signals as part of an austerity drive demanded by the country’s creditors.

Government reports say ERT had been “dismantled” and that authorities would “secure” the broadcaster’s facilities. The sacked employees would be compensated, the government said.

The government claims that ERT, which began operations in 1938, will reopen “as soon as possible” but with a new, smaller workforce but there is no certainty whether all of the broadcaster’s stations will reopen or how long the network will be closed.

Christopher Warren, federal secretary of the Media Alliance, said: “Silencing the state-run broadcaster deprives the community of vital information. At the very least this is a short-sighted move that savages a crucial public service.

“And it is a ham-fisted attack on 2500 experienced and dedicated media professionals who have worked hard for years to keep the community informed about the immense upheavals taking place in Greece.

“But this is also a very sinister assault on democracy and the public’s right to know, aimed at shrouding the activities of the powerful from legitimate scrutiny.”

ERT is funded by a payment of 4.30 euros added each month to electricity bills. “ERT belongs to the people -- it should not be used as a bargaining chip in the bigger economic issues confronting Greece. It should not be muted or have its function distorted through government harassment and intimidation.

“The Media Alliance stands alongside our Greek colleagues as they struggle in such difficult circumstances. We urge the Greek coalition government to rethink this chilling decision and restore ERT immediately in recognition of the vital role public service broadcasting plays at such a crucial time in Greek history,” Warren said.

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It was with absolute amazement and dismay that our union heard the news about the blackout of media by the Greek government. After [the recent visit of a SYRIZA representative] here, many trade unionists and progressive activists have followed developments in Greece with renewed knowledge and interest.

The events of the last couple of days in Greece make all of us believe that your Government has turned the corner from the misplaced and anti-worker policies of austerity into a potentially fascist state.

Please be assured of the continued support of your comrades in the AMWU. I would be happy if you could pass this message on to comrades in Syriza and the Greek trade union movement.