Journalists at a weekly paper in Northern Ireland will go on strike next Monday over a decision to make production staff compulsory redundant.

The National Union of Journalists claims all four editorial production posts at the Newry Democrat have been made redundant on minimum statutory terms, with their work moved elsewhere within the Alpha Newspaper Group which owns the paper.

It is calling on management at the group, which is headed by former Unionist Party deputy leader Lord Kilclooney, to enter negotiations with the union over reinstating the staff or offering enhanced redundancy payments.

The NUJ says the one-day strike planned for Monday could be followed by further walkouts but these could be avoided if management entered into negotiations.

NUJ negotiator Ian McGuinness said: “The union continues to oppose Alpha’s decision to make all four editorial production posts redundant.

“These staff gave many years loyal service. Their work was of a very high standard and they were crucial for the publication of a quality local newspaper.

“The very least that Alpha can do is to increase their miserly statutory redundancy payments. Lord Kilclooney, who recently appeared on Ireland’s Rich List, can afford to make payments beyond the statutory minimum.”

The NUJ says despite meetings held between it and the Alpha Newspaper Group, which took ownership of the Newry Democrat last November, the company proceeded with the enforced redundancies and moved the production work elsewhere.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear praised the solidarity shown by journalists at the Democrat to those who were made redundant.

He said: “They have supported their colleagues at every step of this difficult process and are now ready to stand up and demand fair treatment for them. Let us hope Lord Kilclooney and Alpha listen.”

Managing director Jonathan Taylor said the Alpha Newspaper Group had rescued the paper from ‘imminent closure’ when it was taken on and believed it could be made feasible but this involved reducing costs.

He said: “A paper with such a good circulation should be able to be turned around with the co-operation of staff.

“We are trying to save the title and there’s probably no other group can actually turn it around except ourselves.”

Mr Taylor added he hoped the strike could be averted by consultation with the union.