February 9, 2012

Thomson Reuters journalists call off two-day strike

Journalists at Thomson Reuters have called off a 48-hour strike after accepting an enhanced pay deal.

The strike was due to begin today but was dropped after the NUJ helped negotiate a new deal that includes a minimum pay raise of 2.5 per cent and an additional 0.5 per cent available for merit raises.

‘The settlement redefines the relationship between the NUJ and the Company and puts us on track to work constructively on urgent issues of pay transparency and a new House Agreement,’said NUJ Chapel Officers Mike Roddy and Helen Long.

Last week the union threatened Thompson Reuters with the first strike by journalists for 25 year, after they rejected a a below-inflation pay deal of 1.75 per cent. The industrial action was backed by 83 per cent of NUJ members at the company.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: ‘We are pleased management have backtracked on the derisory pay offer.

‘The improved offer shows just how valuable it is to have the backing of the NUJ. This deal sets the tone for future negotiations between the chapel and management and I hope the pay deal sends a strong message to other companies in the media industry.”