Media.ge, Tbilisi, 23 Jul 2008 – Journalist Nana Pazhava intends to file a lawsuit against Imedi Radio, as according to her the radio violated labor agreement provisions.
According to Nana Pazhava, on July 23, two hours before the visit of President Saakashvili in Ganmukhuri (Zugdidi region), Imedi Radio producer Lela Gabechava contacted her by phone and informed her that Lasha Gabechava was to cover the president’s visit live on air; hence she was required to hand in the microphone to him.
“I demanded to talk to Nino Gabriadze, head of the information department; in a few minutes Gabriadze called me to inform that as long as she is holding the position, she will make the decisions. I reminded her of the labor agreement and she told me that agreement terms have no significance for her”, – Nana Pazhava says.
According to her she was contacted from the radio on July 14 and informed that she was to leave Imedi Radio right after the agreement term expired. “But I was dismissed before the expiration date – July 31. I was dismissed in a manner that made me feel insulted. I plan to appeal to court to secure my rights and I will claim my salary in compensation”, – declares Nana Pazhava.
According to the journalist, the decision of the radio’s management on her dismissal lacked valid foundation, as she always produced objective reports and operatively transmitted information. As the journalist claims, Zaza Gorozia, State Representative in Samegrelo-Zemo (Upper) Svaneti region personally gave instructions on her dismissal from Imedi Radio; Lasha Berulava was appointed to her position.
“I was contacted from Imedi Radio and offered a position. I didn’t refuse. I have no idea about Gorozia’s instructions and haven’t heard of them either”, – Lasha Berulava declares. He’s been working for central media outlets since the 90s.
For more detailed information media.ge contacted Nino Gabriadze, head of Imedi Radio information service by phone, but this is the response we got instead of a proper explanation: “I will not give you a phone comment over the issue, as I don’t know you. I know Alia journalists, Kviris Palitra journalists and journalist of Rustavi 2, Imedi TV, and Channel 1 (she refers to the public broadcaster – media.ge). I can give them a phone comment, but not you. Come to the office and we can talk here”.
The lawyer of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) Tamar Kordzaia declares that Nana Pazhava has a little chance of winning the case, as after the amendments to the labor legislation the employer has the right to annul the agreement signed with the employee unilaterally, without any particular substantiation.
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