By Gavin Mackintosh-
Journalists at a group of newspapers taken over by Newsquest earlier this year have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over pay with the regional publishing giant.
The National Union of Journalists announced that strike action has been backed by members of its Newsquest Carlisle chapel have backed strike following a ballot.The dispute is a shame and calls for urgent resolution if newsquest is to maintain its good reputation.
Members of the chapel are bitter against Newsquest after being prevented from holding union meetings at the Dalston Road office of the Carlisle News & Star. They have complained of a display of arrogance and bad attitude towards their complaints and needs. Most painful of their grievances are allegations of maltreatment and underpayment by newsquest who are believed not to be short of cash. The group met at Carlisle City Council’s headquarters to discuss a year-long pay claim in a dispute growing bitter by the day. They say all efforts to achieve a resolution have been shunned by arrogant bosses at Newsquest.
Newsquest is expected and perceived to have a number of honourable people at the top of its chain
The NUJ had lodged a five per cent pay claim in an attempt to reverse “years of pay erosion”, which it says has reduced earnings in real terms by around 20 to 25pc. Over 87.5% of members voted in favour of strike action. The Eye Of Media.Com will join independent officials in examining the precise details of the dispute with a view to offering a workable solution. Newsquest is an established media company with several branches all over the Uk.
Newsquest bought the previously family-owned CN Group, of which its Carlisle titles was year.
Jane Kennedy, NUJ Northern and Midlands organizer, said: “It is no surprise to us that the chapel have come out so strongly to vote for action. We have tried very hard with the company to reach a negotiated settlement but they simply refused to enter into meaningful discussions.
“Indeed their petty and spiteful decision do refuse to allow the chapel to meet in the workplace has only strengthened the resolve of the chapel to press on for a fair pay settlement.
“Since Newsquest has taken over we have only seen redundancies and empty promises. Our members are working harder than ever to try and maintain the quality local journalism that has been the hallmark of CN Group.
“They do this despite Newsquest not because of them; NUJ members are just seeking a fair reward for their hard work and call on the company to come back to the negotiating table.”
A Newsquest spokesman said: “It is disappointing that the NUJ should choose to pursue its pay dispute with the CN Group by taking industrial action.
“Now the company is under new ownership with Newsquest, we hope that the journalists can get behind what we are trying to achieve in putting the business back onto a sustainable footing