Journalists at the Birmingham Post & Mail are to be balloted on industrial action over plans to make nine jobs on the Birmingham Post redundant and leave seven other posts vacant.
Among the proposed cuts would be the axeing of a London-based political correspondent and closure of the Post’s business/City desk in the capital.
A meeting of Post & M ail NUJ members last week unanimously voted in favour of a ballot on industrial action to fight the cuts.
The journalists also agreed to launch a campaign within the West Midlands to highlight what they claim are the dangers posed to the Post in a bid to force a management rethink.
Chris Morley, the Post & Mail’s NUJ FoC, said: “There is widespread anger that the company wants to put excellent journalists on the scrap heap to drive up already huge profits.
“Members believe the axing of London operations will badly hit the Post’s ability to speak for the West Midlands and exert the influence it has traditionally had with decision makers. We will fight these crazy plans every step of the way.”
Trinity Mirror, owner of the Post & Mail, has said the editorial department is being restructured and there is a need to “right-size” staffing levels in line with the Post’s sales and revenue performance.
By Jon Slattery
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
