Neil Wilby Media

Members of the National Union of Journalists‘ (NUJ) group chapel working for local and regional newspaper publisher, National World, have decided to suspend their planned five-day strike action scheduled for next week. This decision comes after the management’s outright refusal to engage in talks with the Union.

The NUJ’s National Executive Council had urged General Secretary, Michelle Stanistreet, to seek the urgent intervention of the conciliation service, ACAS, in an effort to encourage National World’s management to agree to prompt negotiations. These talks were aimed at preventing further damage to the business. However, the company has firmly declined any further discussions with the Union.

The members employed by National World, which publishes newspapers such as The Scotsman, Yorkshire Post, Portsmouth News, Sheffield Star, Belfast Newsletter, Derry Journal and over 100 other titles, had engaged in a three-day strike last month (September, 2023).

This strike action was a result of the company’s refusal to implement improved minimum salaries, address pay disparities, and its decision to impose a below-inflation pay rise. The dispute unified members across the UK who were concerned about pay inequality, low wages, and the management’s unwillingness to address various issues within the business.

Despite National World reporting operating profits of £9.3 million last year and maintaining cash reserves of £10 million, the NUJ believes it can easily resolve the pay discrepancies. However, the company’s recent £11 million cash acquisition of Midland News Association and Press Computer Systems, along with its expressed interest in the sale of the Telegraph, has revealed where the company’s priorities lie – and it appears they are not aligned with the dedicated staff.

Laura Davison, NUJ National Organiser, expressed her sentiments, stating, ‘We are incredibly proud of our members at National World for their resolute actions to address the inadequate pay for their work in newspapers and on websites. It is profoundly disappointing that the company has chosen not to engage and listen to the valid concerns of its staff. Union representatives have made a practical decision to postpone next week’s strike action, despite the financial impact. The work-to-rule action will proceed as planned, and the Union stands in solidarity in pursuing this dispute.’”

Page last updated: Wednesday 18th October, 2023 at 0905 hours

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Picture credit: NUJ Leeds and West Yorkshire Branch

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