The NUJ chapel in Carlisle has reached a deal with publisher CN Group following the closure of its final salary scheme to all members.
The agreement includes a two-year pay deal and increased minimum rates.
The 5.2 per cent rise has been brought forward by three months to October, with a further increase in 2009.
CN Group has also agreed to consult with staff over the introduction of new technology.
Current minima for trainees and senior journalists will also increase, with trainee pay, currently ranging from £13,000 to £15,000, increasing to £15,000 to £18,000.
An extra pay band has been introduced for section editors and the minimum wage for subs, reporters and photographers has increased to £21,500.
Father of chapel Julian Whittle said: ‘This is an industry notorious for low pay. That can’t continue indefinitely and what we have achieved this year is one small step to us improving journalist’s pay.”
The company has also paid a lump sum of seven per cent of salary into the pensions of staff who joined the new scheme and has offered increased death benefits.
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