A planned strike by journalists has been called off after a regional publisher lifted the threat of compulsory redundancies at their newspapers.

The National Union of Journalists has announced its Glasgow chapel has voted unanimously to withdraw the threat of industrial action at Newsquest’s titles in the city.

HTFP reported on Tuesday how journalists at Glasgow-based daily The Herald and its Newsquest sister titles in the city had voted to go on strike after nine members of staff volunteered for redundancy to help stave-off compulsory job cuts.

At the time, editor-in-chief Donald Martin invited internal applications for a number of vacant and newly-created roles in a bid to avoid further job losses, but the threat of compulsory redundancies has now been withdrawn.

The Herald’s office in Glasgow

A Newsquest Scotland spokesman said: “From the outset we have been actively seeking to avoid compulsory redundancies, and following ongoing constructive dialogue with both the union and staff, we have managed to achieve the savings required via voluntary redundancies.

“We will continue to work positively together to ensure that we have a sustainable business model.”

John Toner, NUJ national organiser for Scotland, said: “Our members are heartened that their employer has listened and that no member of staff will be forced to leave.

“We are also appreciative of the speed by which the bullying issue was resolved and of the company’s assurance that bullying will not be tolerated.

“The relief among our members was palpable. Management has agreed to meet the union’s reps regularly, and to have routine staff meetings to deal with the problems expressed through our recent stress survey.

“Any management restructure will throw up issues for our members, and we look forward to working more closely with Newsquest management to create an acceptable working environment.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had yesterday described the planned cuts as “deeply concerning”.

Those who have voluntereed for redundancy include the Herald’s chief reporter, David Leask, and social affairs correspondent Stephen Naysmith.

In a memo seen by HTFP, Newsquest Scotland editor-in-chief Donald Martin previously wrote: “Although I will be very sad to lose such a wealth of talent and experience, I much appreciate the gesture they have made as it means we are making significant progress towards achieving the savings required.

“However, to avoid any compulsory redundancies I am looking for some of the new roles proposed in the structure I outlined for The Herald and the Evening Times to be filled internally.”