Newsquest bosses are facing possible strike action from reporters in the north of England.

Union chapels at the Northern Echo, in Darlington, and the York and County Press are balloting members over whether to take industrial action.

The row centres on a possible hike in employee pension contributions – up to 10 per cent of salary – in order to keep the same benefit. The NUJ said this was unrealistic.

Meanwhile in Glasgow, management at Newsquest’s titles The Herald, Evening Times and Sunday Herald are expected to meet the NUJ after it was decided to ballot members over strike action should staff pension contributions have to increase.

It is estimated that many journalists would suffer £600 per year losses when the company’s pension plan is implemented in full.

The NUJ also claimed that more chapels within Newsquest could join the dispute after management revealed sub-inflation pay offers for 2008.