NUJ boycotts content system at Johnston Press

NUJ members employed by the Johnston Press owned-Blackpool Gazette and Herald  have decided that from Wednesday March 10 they will not be taking part in any training relating to the introduction of the new ATEX content management system until further notice.
According to the union, the move follows a consultative ballot amongst NUJ members working across Johnston Press group, which saw an 87 per cent vote indicating that journalists would be prepared to take industrial action over the proposed changes.
The NUJ claims the company’s introduction of the new system will see reporters writing into templated pages, with some stories going ‘straight to page’, or direct to the printing process, without the work being overseen by sub-editors.
NUJ northern and midlands organiser Chris Morley said: "Members in Blackpool are fed up with the lack of real information about ATEX and how it will likely impact on them and their jobs. They are therefore boycotting the training needed to operate the system until members are properly informed about the company's plans.
"If the company sits down with the union to discuss the implementation of this system properly, a damaging dispute can be avoided. I urge the management to start talking."