A WORK-to-rule is to begin from next Friday at the Herald & Times Group of newspapers, in protest at compulsory redundancies.
It follows a ballot of members of the National Union of Journalists, that has delivered a 96 per cent vote among respondents in favour of industrial action short of strike action.
The NUJ chapel at The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times newspapers, that make up the group, is to meet on Tuesday afternoon, to discuss whether to go on strike. The ballot delivered an 86 per cent vote in favour of strike action.
Seventeen posts are going at the papers, as part of plans to introduce a new editorial production system. Nine successful applicants for voluntary redundancy are understood to be leaving today. Of the eight compulsory redundancies, four are also understood to be leaving today. The compulsory redundancy process is believed to be ongoing.
Paul Holleran, NUJ organiser in Scotland, said: “The ballot result shows the strength of feeling amongst our members. It is a clear sign that management should re-open talks with the union and resolve the dispute. Strike action is always a last resort but the chapel vote for action shows members want to try and stop [owners] Newsquest’s ruinous plans.”
A Herald & Times Group spokesperson told allmediascotland.com that any industrial action would be “counter-productive in the current extremely challenging time for the industry”.
