Two National Union of Journalists chapels in the North West are joining forces following the sale of their newspapers.

The chapels at MEN Media, part of GMG Regional Media which was sold to Trinity Mirror last week, have decided to form a single unit.

Until now the chapels have covered journalists on the Manchester Evening News and the MEN Media Weeklies stable separately.

The union has already expressed concerns that the takeover raises issues of editorial independence in the North West as Trinity Mirror owns the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo and a host of weeklies in the region.

A joint statement, issued today by Judy Gordon, MEN Mother of Chapel, and Bethan Dorsett, MEN Weeklies Mother of Chapel, said: “Though traditionally the MEN and weeklies have been separate chapels, it is common sense to bring them together – after all we are now under one roof.

“We are delighted that both chapels have decided to show such solidarity in light of the uncertainty caused by the sale of the company to Trinity Mirror.

“A strong, united chapel made up of over 100 journalists can take positive action to prevent any job losses or other damaging changes that our new owners may want to implement at a later stage.”

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear added: “This is a big step forward for our members in Manchester and gives them added strength at a very important time.

“We remain committed to ensuring that, in any change, jobs are protected and the editorial quality and integrity is not compromised.”

Trinity Mirror declined to comment on this story.

Comments

Captain Scott (22/02/2010 09:21:24)
And just how well has the NUJ done so far in making sure “jobs are protected and the editorial quality and integrity is not compromised.” What does it expect Trinity Mirror to do? Demand that the MEN start putting Liverpool Football Club on the back page?

Hengist Pod (22/02/2010 15:25:14)
As well they might, though it’s a bit like the Polish Army,Navy and Air Force joining forces before Hitler’s invasion