Journalists at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph have voted to ballot for industrial action in protest against changing shift patterns and the removal of Sunday over-time pay following the paper's switch to a morning paper.
NUJ members have lodged individual grievances over the issue following a chapel meeting of 24 journalists.
Reporters and photographers have submitted their grievances to LET editor Kevin Young in relation to the Sunday pay, and subs have sent a letter including concerns about late shifts and Sunday working.
The grievance letter said: "People feel very strongly about these issues and are determined to press ahead with individual grievances. However, they are prepared to allow the formal procedure to go on hold if you are prepared to suspend implementation of the new rotas and carry on meaningful negotiations with the NUJ.
"NUJ members voted unanimously to hold a ballot for industrial action over these contract changes if this dispute cannot be solved through negotiation or the grievance procedures."
The ballot is Mother of Chapel Lauren Cumming's last act in her union capacity and a committee is being formed to replace her.
Newsquest Bolton and Bury chief executive Eric Henshaw was not available for comment.
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