Threatened strike action by NUJ journalists on the Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail over a redundancy issue has been averted after management came up with an acceptable solution.
As the 173 NUJ journalists on the two newspapers prepared to ballot for industrial action for the second time in a month, it was agreed to call off the procedure after the new offer was made.
The dispute arose after management decided to make the positions of 10 staff in its picture retouching department redundant.
Three were selected to join a new set-up in advertising, and three left with severance packages. The threatened strike action revolved round the remaining four.
However, three of the four have now been redeployed within Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd and Cardonald (Saltire Press). Discussions are continuing with the fourth.
A management spokesman said: “We said from the outset that we would look to redeploy those affected and that is what we have done.
“We have worked hard to find a solution that is in the best interests of the entire business, and are pleased this matter has now been resolved.”
The NUJ’s Scottish organiser, Paul Holleran, welcomed the resolution of the dispute. He said: “It’s a pity it didn’t happen weeks ago. We look forward to a return to the co-operative ways of the past.”
By Hamish Mackay
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
