The company has announced plans to restructure its work across the Midlands but staff are pushing managers to consider alternative proposals.

Union reps from across East Midlands Newspapers, Lincolnshire Newspapers and Anglia Newspapers met with the managing directors from the three divisions on Wednesday (28 January). The alternative proposals for Anglia newspapers were tabled at that meeting and reps from the other areas affected have now agreed to go away to draw up similar plans.

The proposals include the centralisation of many functions of the division in Bury St Edmunds rather than Peterborough, keeping production of the papers much closer to their readers.

Speaking after the meeting, NUJ Head of Publishing Barry Fitzpatrick said: “Managers say they want to achieve greater efficiency, and we’ve now tabled some ideas that we believe will do just that without seriously undermining the relationships with the titles' readers. We’ve been assured by management that they are going to give our alternative proposals serious consideration so we’ll be waiting with interest for their response.

“Johnston Press says that at this stage nothing has been finalised and, since our ideas would far better serve the local communities covered by the papers, I can’t see how management could now try to force through their original proposals.

“Our negotiations with management have so far been constructive and we’re hoping that management’s statements about seeking agreement are backed up by actions.”

The union is looking to organise a meeting for all the members affected by the Midlands reorganisation. If you’re working for a Johnston Press title in the area, email ramolap@nuj.org.uk to register your interest.

30 January 2009