Kyiv Independent Media Trade Union

Kyiv Independent Media Trade Union was founded November 30, 2002 to protect labor, social and creative rights of journalists. The KIMTU has about 150 members today. KIMTU constantly monitors violations of journalists' rights and demands from the Government to investigate them. Since its foundation the Union participated in all actions to protect freedom of speech in Ukraine. Union's experts analyze legislative initiatives concerning the media sector. Together with other media organizations and experts we demanded the adoption of the Law on Access to Public Information. KIMTU provides legal assistance to journalists who have problems with employers and government agencies. During 2010, KIMTU took part in the 9 labor disputes and 8 of them successfully completed for journalists. The Union conducts trainings and seminars for journalists. Now we started a new series of educational activities which includes legal training and master classes in journalism. KIMTU has a special account to assist our colleagues in emergency situations. This money is spent on helping journalists who have serious diseases, on helping families of journalists who died. Each year KIMTU publishes ratings "The enemies of the press", where those who flagrantly violate the rights of journalists are listed.