National Union of Journalists members at two Newsquest centres have postponed strike action planned for this week.

Journalists at Newsquest (Bradford), publishers of the Telegraph & Argus, Keighly News, Ilkley Gazette, Craven Herald and Wharfedale Observer, had been due to walk out on Monday and Tuesday this week in the second of three planned stoppages.

But instead, members plan to stage a five-day walk out next week, from Monday to Friday February 17-21 unless an agreement is reached.

An initial £2,000-a-head bid by the union has since been reduced to £1,500; Newsquest (Bradford) has offered a two per cent increase.

Meanwhile, journalists at Newsquest Kendal, which publishes the Westmorland Gazette, Lancaster and South Lakes Citizens and Westmorland Messenger, have also postponed strike action.

NUJ members have said they plan to walk out for four days next week, from February 17 to 20, instead of going ahead with a stoppage planned for today (Wednesday) and tomorrow.

NUJ members there had also been due to stop work for two days last week but action was suspended after an improved pay offer paved the way for fresh talks.

The management have upped an offer of between 1.5 and 2 per cent to an offer of 2.5 per cent. The union is demanding 9.5 per cent.

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