Journalists on two of Scotland’s biggest selling national newspapers are to strike on Saturday over job cuts.
NUJ members at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail want to stop management forcing through around 20 compulsory redundancies.
Supporters are urged to send solidarity messages and donations for the strike fund.
In January parent company Trinity Mirror announced plans for seventy job cuts and the merger of the Glasgow-based titles under one editor in chief.
More than 40 volunteers put themselves forward for redundancy – but bosses want more cuts.
In the secret postal ballot for industrial action required by UK law 200 of the NUJ members at the company took part.
They voted 85 percent for strike action and 90 percent for action short of a strike.
The chapel has given notice of a one-day strike beginning at midnight on Friday/Saturday, followed by a work-to-rule and another 24 hour strike on Friday April 10.
Paul Holleran, NUJ Scottish Organiser, said: “It is beyond logic that the senior management team are refusing to accept our offer of a compromise. They appear to be implementing the selection process for compulsory redundancies and have held a series of meetings ahead of their own timetable, acting in undue haste in my opinion.
“They must realise that anyone being identified for compulsory redundancy will trigger an escalation and seriously damage the trust and goodwill of staff for the foreseable future. This doesn't make sense for a company wishing to introduce a new production system and seeking co-operation with extensive changes in working practices.
"The chapel are as solid as they come and recognise how serious this is not only for their own futures but the future of these important national newspapers."
Jeremy Dear, NUJ General Secretary said: “The whole union is solidly behind the Record and Mail journalists.
“They are fighting for the future of quality tabloid journalism in Scotland as well as for their jobs.
“I urge all NUJ members to do everything they can to support their action.”
The strike in Scotland is part of a union-wdie campaign against media cutbacks.
2 April 2009