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January 30, 2008

Al Jazeera English in ‘staffing crisis’

By colinc

Al Jazeera English is facing a staffing crisis as scores of journalists have left the English language news channel.

Staff have told Media Guardian that issues from removal of benefits to a lack of pay rises have forced departures. Sources said that resignations had occurred across the board.

The sources also said that the main Arabic Al Jazeera network was attempting to exert more control over the English language channel, pushing for a more Islamic slant.

Al Jazeera is currently involved in a number of employment disputes including one with former head of planning Jo Burgin, as reported in Press Gazette.

Burgin is continuing her claim against the channel for sex, race and religious discrimination. Her claim of unfair discrimination was found not to be within the UK employment tribunal’s jusrisdiction.

A meeting between over 100 staff members and Al Jazeera MD Nigel Parsons over issues took place in 20 December.

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