Union members at Shropshire Newspapers Ltd have voted in favour of strike action.

The National Union of Journalists chapel voted 85pc in favour of some form of industrial action while 58pc went for full strike action.

The vote was taken amid union fears that the company is looking to make 12 positions redundant – predominantly on the weekly titles – which could affect trainees working towards their senior exams.

The chapel is meeting again next Wednesday to discuss what industrial action should take place.

The NUJ said the positions under threat are the weeklies group editor John Butterworth, one other weekly editor, five reporters, two sub-editors and three editorial assistants.

Shropshire Newspapers’ titles include the daily Shropshire Star and weekly titles around the county.

This latest development is part of a wider cull by parent company the Midland News Association which said it was looking to axed around 135 positions in October.

NUJ northern organiser Chris Morley said: “We’ve had a clear vote of more than four-to-one in favour of industrial action.

“The chapel will decide on its next steps at Wednesday’s meeting, when our members should have a clearer idea of the company’s intentions.

“The vote sends a clear signal to management that they must address journalists’ concerns over job cuts.”

The company had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.

Comments

Graham (20/02/2009 16:13:04)
clear as mud according to your official