More than 20 pickets were out early this morning as National Union of Journalists members went on strike at the Blackpool Gazette.

They are demanding better pay and an improved pay structure.

The action affects the Blackpool Evening Gazette, Fleetwood Weekly News, and Lytham St Anne’s Express.

The union held talks with management of the Johnston Press-owned titles earlier this week in a bid to stave off strike action, but despite an intimation of a possible new pay structure, the stoppage went ahead and a second strike date has been set for June 22.

The picket at head office today saw staff brandishing England flags and placards to make their point.

They are objecting to a new company pay structure which would leave fully qualified senior journalists at the weekly papers on just over £16,000.

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