NUJ members at Newsquest York have today (14/04) sent notification to management of their intention to ballot for strike action.
The ballot comes after talks broke down over an offer of a three per cent pay increase. A further 0.5 per cent had been promised to journalists to remunerate them for video journalism skills but management withdrew this making it a separate payment at the Editors discretion.
The NUJ chapel had sought mediation with ACAS but management stated that they would not be bound by any decision made with them.
The ballot affects 34 members at Newsquest titles including the York Press and Gazette & Herald. Ballot papers will be sent out on Friday (18/04).
NUJ Assistant Organiser, Jenny Lennox said: "The members in York are very frustrated by Newsquest’s reluctance to fulfil their previous pay promises.
"They are refusing to negotiate with the chapel, won't allow a full-time official to attend negotiations and are even refusing to allow ACAS to help resolve the issues through conciliation.
"We sincerely hope that the Newsquest management will enter into meaningful negotiations soon and any action can be avoided."
