Yorkshire strikers 'thank you' to public

Journalists who went on strike against compulsory redundancies at Yorkshire Post Newspapers handed out leaflets to the public in Leeds city centre this afternoon thanking them for their support.
NUJ members from the Yorkshire Post, Yorkshire Evening Post and Leeds Weekly News said they wanted to show their appreciation for the support they received during thirteen days of strike action. They also warned that they will strike again if more cuts are imposed by management at the Johnston Press-owned newspapers.
The leaflet read: “Those 13 days demonstrating outside the building were long and cold, but we were kept warm by the spirit and solidarity we showed each other and the wonderful support shown to us by the great West Yorkshire public.
"To know that our readers were right behind us was an enormous boost. It also left management in no doubt about what you all think about their ongoing programme of cuts.
“Sadly, some of our colleagues have been made redundant and more remain at risk. Those that remain at the papers are struggling with ever-increasing workloads, stress levels and uncertainty about the future.
“Despite this, the National Union of Journalists has scored several successes from the strike. Two colleagues, both at risk of redundancy, have been found jobs elsewhere; progress is being made on a job-share, which will keep another colleague in the building; and the company's redundancy timetable has been completely derailed.
“On top of this, a new level of strength and togetherness has been found among what was already a tightly bonded union. We will need this as we strive to deliver the quality papers you all deserve in the face of the difficult times we all know lie ahead.
“Once again, thank-you. We believe the company will be back to make more cuts, and, when it does, we will down tools and strike. It gives us great heart to know that, when we do, you, our readers, will be standing alongside us.”
The journalists chose today to hand out the leaflets because it is the last day their strike ballot is valid under UK law.
Pic shows striking YPN journalists in London protest.