NUJ members at Thomson Reuters have voted to ballot for strike action weeks after the two financial information and news giants merged into one corporation.
A motion passed by the Thomson Financial News chapel on Tuesday criticised the company’s ‘continuing refusal to consider a voluntary redundancy programme as part of any job-reduction package”.
It said: ‘We feel we are left with no option but to formally ballot for industrial action and have voted unanimously to do so.”
Staff urged management not to change legally binding rights enjoyed by TFN staff such as the nine-day fortnight.
Barry Fitzpatrick, NUJ national organiser for newspapers and agencies, said: ‘It’s clear that when you bring two businesses together there is some overlap. We are prepared to discuss this in an organised way.”
The company said its position on talks has not changed since the merger, and that it will continue to negotiate with staff over changes.
David Schlesinger, editor-in-chief of Reuters News, said: ‘Once we have decided what staffing will be necessary, we will consult with the unions on the best way forward. We are proud of our editorial heritage and remain fully committed to its ongoing success.”
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
