Journalists at the Johnston Press-owned Blackpool Gazette and Herald have voted to take industrial action in protest over possible subbing cuts.
NUJ members at the newspaper group decided to hold a strike ballot over what they said was management’s failure to consult meaningfully over the introduction of new technology which will enable reporters to input their stories straight on to the newspaper page.
The NUJ revealed today that 97 per cent of the 37 members of the union chapel took part in the vote and that 88.9 per cent of those who voted backed industrial action. Some 80.6 per cent voted in favour of strike action.
NUJ North of England organiser Chris Morley said: “The scale of the positive vote in favour of strike action shows the strength of feeling among staff at the Blackpool Gazette and Herald. We don’t believe the company has been open and honest about its future intentions, and they must now come clean.
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“We have seen what has happened elsewhere when Johnston Press attempted to implement its content management system without proper staff consultation. Rushed implementation has led to extra stress and additional workloads.”
Johnston Press denies that it has failed to consult with staff over the changes.
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