Members of the National Union of Journalists working in Glasgow for the U.K. Newsquest newspaper division have voted to strike if the division doesn't back down from is decision to eliminate nearly two dozen jobs.
The company is seeking to axe 20 jobs at The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times when introducing a new production system. Last week it emerged that eight of the roles would be axed through compulsory redundancies, according to Roy Greenslade of The Guardian.
The NUJ's general secretary, Michelle Stanistreet, told Greenslade: "Scotland's leading newspapers have faced years of cuts thanks to Newsquest. They have inflicted widespread damage in our industry and they have harmed newspaper titles and quality journalism.
"The ballot result reflects the unity of the chapel and their resolve to stand up for journalism in Scotland. Newsquest should listen to the concerns of its staff and stop treating our members with contempt."
The NUJ is waiting for Newsquest's response to the ballot before naming a date for strike action, according to Greenslade.
Newsquest's 17 dailies and hundreds of weeklies employ 4,300 -- roughly one in seven of GCI's approximately 30,700 employees. The division's chief executive, Paul Davidson, 58, plans to retire this year. GCI bought Newsquest in 1999 for $1.5 billion.
The company is seeking to axe 20 jobs at The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times when introducing a new production system. Last week it emerged that eight of the roles would be axed through compulsory redundancies, according to Roy Greenslade of The Guardian.
The NUJ's general secretary, Michelle Stanistreet, told Greenslade: "Scotland's leading newspapers have faced years of cuts thanks to Newsquest. They have inflicted widespread damage in our industry and they have harmed newspaper titles and quality journalism.
"The ballot result reflects the unity of the chapel and their resolve to stand up for journalism in Scotland. Newsquest should listen to the concerns of its staff and stop treating our members with contempt."
The NUJ is waiting for Newsquest's response to the ballot before naming a date for strike action, according to Greenslade.
Newsquest's 17 dailies and hundreds of weeklies employ 4,300 -- roughly one in seven of GCI's approximately 30,700 employees. The division's chief executive, Paul Davidson, 58, plans to retire this year. GCI bought Newsquest in 1999 for $1.5 billion.
Strikes are so effective. Just ask the folks in Detroit or better yet the Hostess bakers. Respect and dignity!
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