MGN general manager Ellis Watson has attacked the papers’ editorial union the British Association of Journalists as pay negotiations continue.
An offer of 2.75 per cent has been on the table since February along with a minimum guaranteed rise of £1,000 and a one-off payment of £400.
In a letter to journalists, Watson claimed the union did not express the views of the majority of staff. He wrote : “I have been asked by many of you to point out the absurdity of three people denying nearly 500 of you the right to formally express an opinion.”
Watson told Press Gazette: “Until recently we have enjoyed challenging but good relationships with the union, however, its stance over this issue over a prolonged three months seems to defy both logic and the will of the journalists themselves.”
BAJ general secretary Steve Turner said: “Ellis Watson is out of order casting aspersions on the integrity of the BAJ negotiators. We have given all the Daily and Sunday Mirror and People journalists the full and true facts.”
He added: “I don’t wish to say any more because I don’t think it helps to negotiate in public.”
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