National Union of Journalists members at Coventry Newspapers have voted to strike in a protest over pay.

Journalists at the Coventry Evening Telegraph, The Hinckley Times, Bedworth Echo, Coventry Citizen, Hinckley Herald & Journal and Nuneaton Weekly Tribune say they plan to walk out for a 24-hour stoppage on Friday, June 17.

NUJ members at the Trinity Mirror-owned titles say they are unhappy that journalists at other newspaper centres owned by the group earn more for doing the same job.

They say their claim for a minimum rate of £14,500 for newly-qualified seniors working on weekly papers is still less than what their colleagues earn in Liverpool. Coventry Newspapers management is offering £14,000.

The NUJ says 57 members were balloted, and of the 50 who voted 40 were in favour of strike action.

The original pay claim was submitted last September and the two sides went to ACAS in April, but failed to reach a resolution.

A spokesman for Coventry Newspapers said: “The company has already improved its offer on several occasions, and has addressed each area of priority raised by the union.

“Despite this, the NUJ chose to dismiss the independent solution brokered by ACAS.

“The company has done everything it can to resolve this situation, and the ball is very much in the NUJ’s court.”