Management at Newsquest in Bradford have urged National Union of Journalists members to see sense after spending almost a month out on strike so far this year.

NUJ members at the Telegraph & Argus, Keighley News, Ilkley Gazette, Craven Herald and Wharfedale Observer have staged several rounds of strike action over pay since January, the most recent being a 12-day stoppage which ended on Sunday.

But in a press statement released by Newsquest (Bradford), the company said the action had failed to disrupt any of its publications and managing director David Coates urged members to "see sense".

He said: "The relatively few NUJ members on strike must surely realise after 29 days of action that they are getting nowhere.

"While the majority of our journalists are working normally, a number of young staff have been encouraged to believe that this kind of direct action, and the rhetoric that accompanies it, are the way to resolve disputes.

"They are not - as our GMPU members have proven by resolving their pay dispute with us through sensible and moderate discussion.

"Like the NUJ, they are aware that our profits in Bradford fell last year but, unlike the NUJ, they have accepted our offer.

"We would urge the local NUJ leadership to see sense and to give proper consideration to our latest proposals."