National World pay
Journalists at the publisher are urging the company to offer an improved pay package.
Over 330 journalists at National World took part in historic strike action throughout September. NUJ members delivered a clear mandate last month, when 78 per cent of journalists at the publisher voted in favour of strike action in the first ever company-wide ballot.
On 1 September, the NUJ National World Group Chapel met, and reps voted unanimously to serve notice on the company for three days of strike action. Strike action took place on 18, 22 and 25 September. A work to rule commenced on 19 September.
Why are members striking?
The NUJ has held negotiations with National World in efforts to agree a fair pay package for staff that takes steps to improve minimum salaries and address pay disparities at the company.
Despite the union’s best efforts, the publisher imposed a below-inflation 4.5 per cent pay increase to journalists and has failed to adequately consider the financial hardship experienced by some staff on low wages. Negotiations with Acas ended without success as National World refused to improve its offer to members, despite several options presented by the NUJ's negotiation team keen to reach agreement.
The union has urged National World’s management to return to negotiations with an improved offer that settles the dispute. Half-year results published in July revealed cash reserves of £22m and shareholders have received payouts of £1.4m. Despite this, management at the company have failed to offer a revised package, reflecting the contribution of journalists.
In July, NUJ members delivered a vote of no confidence in the National World board and David Montogomery, executive chairman. Journalists want to be at work, but have been left with no option than to strike for an improved pay deal.
National World's company-wide voluntary redundancy scheme follows a restructuring that saw more than 50 journalists placed at risk of redundancy, with more than 25 leaving on a voluntary or compulsory basis. The NUJ has condemned the company's poor handling of recent restructuring processes.
The publisher has over 100 titles including The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post, Belfast’s News Letter, Sunderland Echo, Lancashire Post, Sheffield Star, Northampton Chronicle and The News in Portsmouth.
In September, National World paid £11m cash in an acquisitons deal to purchase the Express & Star and the Shropshire Star. Despite shunning journalists' pay, the company still has £9m in cash reserves, and could direct funds towards a new pay package.
Show your support
Sign the petition
Sign the NUJ's petition to David Montgomery, urging him to offer journalists a fair pay rise.
Donate to the NUJ's hardship fund
When NUJ members go on strike, all members of the union are encouraged to offer support and show solidarity. Please consider a donation to the hardship fund to support National World journalists and encourage whip-rounds and donations from your chapels and branches.
It’s easy to donate – simply click the Donate button, which enables you to make a donation via Paypal or using a debit or credit card. Alternatively you can also make a direct bank transfer using the details below – if you choose this option, please remember to add the reference, Hardship Fund.
GBP Donations
Unity Trust Bank PLC
Sort code: 60-83-01
Account number: 33045320
EURO Donations
Allied Irish Banks
IBAN number: IE91AIBK93105567345017
SWIFT/BIC: AIBKIE2
Social media
- Use #NationalWorldStrike on strike dates.
- Email [email protected] with solidarity messages and we'll share these on social media and the website, they can be anon.
