The bosses had to run the gauntlet, with staff manning a picket line from 8am. Dozens of angry reporters brandished placards spelling out their grievances: “Sydney Mourning Herald”, “SOSMH Save Our Herald”, “UnFairFax” and “Get Me My Razor, I’m Out of Ideas”.

Later in the day, chief executive David Kirk was greeted with chants of “Shame, David, Shame” and “Save Our Jobs” as he entered Sydney’s Sheraton Hotel.

FAIRFAX Media bosses were yesterday forced to confront their own staff in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, 24 hours after the company’s merger with Rural Press was completed.

The head-to-head came during a day of high drama across Sydney, culminating in staff returning to work after 19 hours of a technically illegal strike. Theworkers had faced the threat of individual fines of $6600.

Amid a carnival atmosphere in a court jam-packed with journalists, AIRC commissioner Greg Harrison ordered the staff back to their desks at 1pm.

Both sides claimed victory, with union officials citing an industrial relations order which precluded them from striking for three months. The company had applied for a 13-month ban.

Despite their backdown, staff were still fuming about the company’s behaviour in persisting with rationalisation moves that include the introduction of a seven-day roster in the production operations of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sun-Herald. The move will see up to 35 jobs cut.

It had been a tough start to the day for Fairfax managers, including the company’s newly installed deputy chief executive, Brian McCarthy.

The bosses had to run the gauntlet, with staff manning a picket line from 8am. Dozens of angry reporters brandished placards spelling out their grievances: “Sydney Mourning Herald”, “SOSMH Save Our Herald”, “UnFairFax” and “Get Me My Razor, I’m Out of Ideas”.

Later in the day, chief executive David Kirk was greeted with chants of “Shame, David, Shame” and “Save Our Jobs” as he entered Sydney’s Sheraton Hotel.

With exquisite timing, Mr Kirk was scheduled to give a speech on press freedom and media rationalisation to the Australian Press Council.

The dispute was sparked by the plans for job cuts and the introduction of Australian Workplace Agreements for people joining Fairfax Digital Media. Senior Herald journalist Matthew Moore said: “Staff are furious that the company is introducing AWAs, abolishing a list of conditions built up over 40 years.”

Business — Page 21