North West Evening Mail journalists in strike vote

Journalists at the North West Evening Mail, part of the independent CN group, have voted overwhelming for strike action in a dispute over job cuts, staffing levels and working hours, according to the NUJ.

In the NUJ ballot, 26 people voted for strike action, with one vote against – a 96 per cent vote for action. The union says the paper's sub-editing section has been targeted for severe cuts and one NUJ member is now left with the threat of compulsory redundancy. Management has also imposed a new one-shift system to replace the previous three-shift system and the chapel will now scrutinise its implementation.

NUJ regional organiser Chris Morley said: “The chapel is determined to fight deteriorating working conditions. Members are not prepared to see a substantially increased workload on those who remain. Health and safety is already under threat from long hours and journalists on the North West Evening Mail fear that the planned reorganisation will make things worse.”