Management wants to transfer editorial production of Newsquest’s free weekly titles in Darlington and York, together with  paid-for weeklies and magazines, to Bradford over the next six months. Sub-editing of the dailies would remain at the existing locations.

NUJ northern and midlands organiser Chris Morley said: “In addition to industrial action, we are also considering whether the proposed transfer of work may be in breach of employment law. This could have serious financial consequences for Newsquest. 

 

“The decision to vote on strike action was inevitable following the latest attack on jobs and security by this discredited management. The NUJ is ready to defend our members and quality journalism with fierce determination. 

“Journalists at Newsquest have endured a series of damaging job cuts and illogical centralisation of editorial production through schemes which are destroying the quality of their newspapers and reader confidence. The effect on the morale of dedicated professional journalists has been shocking."

 

The NUJ sought region-wide consultation on the management proposals from Newsquest’s regional managing director. The union said this was necessary because of the nature of the plans so that a better idea could be ascertained of what the impact would be. But this was turned down.

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