The NUJ chapel at the Donegal Democrat and Donegal People’s Press had already agreed to three voluntary redundancies after negotiation with the union. But the company then sought to make one  the paper’s three photographers redundant. 

 

The chapel declared that this was a step too far and members were prepared to resist a compulsory redundancy. The union entered into a fortnight of talks to prevent the job loss. The three photographers have now agreed a job sharing deal– working 28.5 hours a week each rather than 37.5 hours, with a reparation package of €12,000 to compensate for the reduced hours. All three photographers will remain on staff.  

 

Father of the Democrat chapel Tom Comack said: “We’re pleased that we saved a position. Obviously our colleagues are taking a reduction in pay, but it is still a positive outcome.” 

 

NUJ Irish organiser Nicola Coleman said she was delighted with the support the chapel showed for their colleagues. “It’s much easier to negotiate with a company when you have a well-organised chapel that is willing to defend their colleagues’ terms and conditions. It’s great to have a chapel willing to show solidarity. Their stand is an example to colleagues across theJohnston Press group, and in the wider union.”

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