Dominic Ponsford
The planned budget day strike at the Independent has been averted after a late deal from management last night.
Up to 200 NUJ members at the two Indy titles were due to strike from midnight in protest at a 2.5 per cent pay deal.
According to the NUJ the new agreement sticks to the 2.5 per cent rise but also includes a five per cent increase on minimum pay bands, a training agreement, a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies until at least April 2007 and bonuses to all staff employed since the switch to tabloid format of between £200 and £500.
NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said: “We’re delighted to have reached such a comprehensive and significant deal and to have been able to avoid the need to take strike action. We believe it is right people are fairly rewarded for the hard work and commitment they have shown to the papers and this very good deal helps to do that.
“The talks have been constructive, our members resolute and the outcome very satisfactory”.
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