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Irish journalists vote for strike action

National Union of Journalists members at the Derry Journal have voted in favour of industrial action in a row over the centralisation of subbing operations.

The union says that 100pc of staff opted for some form of industrial action while 88pc chose full strike action.

The dispute centres on the threat of redundancy over seven posts after parent company Johnston Press accepted 15 voluntary redundancies, says the NUJ.

Talks are planned on Tuesday at the Labour Relations Agency – Northern Ireland’s conciliation service.

A spokesperson for the Derry Journal Chapel said: “We are delighted with yesterday’s result. It confirms the strength of feeling among our editorial department and our determination to resist any compulsory redundancies.

“Changes made by Johnston Press, such as continual cuts in budgets and staffing levels, have contributed to a reduction in standards at the Derry Journal.

“This newspaper has been part of the fabric of Derry for hundreds of years and we will fight to retain its integrity and its local appeal.”

Jean Long divisional MD of Johnston Press NI, said: “Johnston Publishing NI is working hard to avoid compulsory redundancies in the Derry Journal business.

“We have consulted extensively with the local NUJ representatives in order to fill other roles and this process is still ongoing.

“We are still very hopeful at this stage that any loss of positions will be achieved on a voluntary basis.”