Journalists at Media Wales have voted heavily in favour of strike action over plans for more job cuts across its stable of titles.

The proposals announced last month have already resulted in the closure of two weekly newspapers and could lead to the loss of the equivalent of 13.2 full-time journalists’ roles.

After the proposals were announced, the National Union of Journalists organised a strike ballot in defence of its policy that no member should be made compulsorily redundant.

Asked whether they were prepared to strike, 96pc of those who voted chose Yes and 4pc voted No. On their willingness to take action short of a strike, 97pc of those who voted said Yes and 2pc No.

FoC Martin Shipton said: “The ballot result gives the union a clear mandate to organise industrial action. We shall, however, continue to hold discussions with the company with the aim of achieving a position where all redundancies are voluntary.

“We are also determined that those who remain will not be expected to undertake excessive workloads under the new working arrangements which we shall be negotiating with the company.”

The Trinity Mirror-owned subsidiary publishes the Western Mail, the South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the Celtic series of weekly papers. A two-month consultation period on the company’s proposals lasts until 23 November.

A Media Wales spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that NUJ members have voted in favour of this action, which does nothing to address the issues which are currently facing the Media Wales business.”

Comments

Richard Simcox (15/10/2009 15:39:36)
Brilliant. Now here this Sly Bailey – http://bit.ly/4393Dk

Subbedout (16/10/2009 10:59:28)
Can HTFP remove the comment from Richard Simocox? It adds nothing to the story and is just spam for his own personal campaign. Shameful behaviour

Hengist Pod (16/10/2009 14:33:55)
Shouldn’t it be “Now hear this Sly Bailey?”