A former Newsquest editor gave his backing to striking journalists by joining a picket line last week.
Peter Greenwood, who took early retirement from his role at the helm of the Craven Herald and Pioneer last June, joined members of the National Union of Journalist in Darlington on Friday as part of their 48-hour strike.
The former editor told those on the walkout he was not impressed by the way the company was being run by Newsquest.
A 48-hour strike started on Thursday at Newsquest titles in Darlington and Brighton, with journalists joining those in Southampton who extended their strike to last three days.
Peter Greenwood joins the NUJ picket line in Darlington.
Mr Greenwood gave a donation to the strike fund as he joined the picket line for a couple of hours and was thanked for his support by striking journalists, who set up a blog about their walkout.
NUJ members at the title voted to take part in the strike action because of plans to merge the subbing operation at The Northern Echo with its weekly sister titles, resulting in job losses.
Journalists in Darlington are among those who have been offered a pay rise of 2pc by Newsquest.
Northern Echo editor Peter Barron declined to comment but a statement last week from Newsquest North-East said the changes being proposed were to ensure they were operating as effectively as possible
It said seven posts from a department of around 90 people were at risk of being made redundant – but all efforts were being made to minimise compulsory redundancies.
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What a pointless piece of grandstanding.
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There is nothing pointless in fighting for jobs or supporting those who are. This civilised country of ours was shaped by ordinary people making a stand in whatever way they could. Without them you would not have a health service, sick pay, holidays, holiday pay, minimum wage, state pension, benefits, dole, safety regulations, equal rights, maternity and paternity leave – the list is endless. If you want an example of pointlessness, look no further than those who crossed the picket lines at the various Newsquest centres thinking that in doing so their continued employment would be guaranteed.
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What a wonderful gesture. I have never met Mr Greenwood but I salute him and those who were on the picket line.
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I worked with Peter and he was a damn good editor doing his best in extremely difficult circumstances. He’s not the ‘grandstanding’ sort whatsoever – good on him for making the effort. Far too easy not to bother once you leave the industry – speaking from experience there.
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LOL at ‘grandstanding.’ Have another look at the picture. He’s hardly running around in circles wheeling his arm Mick Channon style is he?
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