Hong Kong media giant Next Digital ‘to outsource 50 designers and artists’ in cost-cut bid
Move sparks concern over employee rights and company loyalty, which if affected, may result in poorer quality of work
The publishing arm and sister publications of Apple Daily, one of Hong Kong’s most widely circulated Chinese-language newspapers, will outsource about 50 graphic designers and artists in a cost-cutting measure, the Post has learned.
The decision was revealed by workers’ unions at parent group Next Digital on Thursday night, as part of a move to outsource operations in phases.
A source at Next Digital said the outsourcing of graphic designers and artists would deprive such staff of job security, steady pay, and benefits.
“[The outsourcing plan] means everyone will get a pay and welfare cut,” the source said. But “[contract workers] can get jobs from other companies” to supplement their income.
The media giant recorded a loss of HK$394 million in the last fiscal year – nearly HK$70 million more than the previous year.
