National Union of Journalists members at Newsquest Bradford have named six dates for strike action over pay.

They plan to walk out on Thursday and Friday January 30 and 31, and again on February 10, 11, 19 and 20 at the company’s offices in Bradford, Shipley, Otley, Keighley, Skipton, and Ilkley.

The action comes a year after a wage settlement was reached with the company after a half-day stoppage with the offer of a £500 across-the-board pay rise.

Union members are demanding a £2,000 pay rise for everyone this year.

Two per cent has been offered, a rise which the union says would leave most of the journalists earning below the £24,000 average UK wage.

Last year’s pay deal meant that the minimum wage for juniors was increased by £1,500 to £12,000 and the senior starting rate for weekly journalists rose by £1,000 to £15,000.

Newspapers affected by any action would include the Telegraph & Argus, Keighly News, Ilkley Gazette, Craven Herald and Wharfedale Observer.

The NUJ has more than 50 members in the 90-strong workforce, and supporters of their pay claim are being asked to e-mail or fax the Newsquest chief executive Paul Davidson with a polite message.

Newsquest’s regional managing director Tim Blott was unavailable for comment this morning.

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