Newsquest journalists start strike action today

NUJ members at Newsquest in South London have begun a two-day strike today in a dispute over redundancies and in support of quality local journalism.

The journalists have dressed up as cowboys (top) as a comment on what they think of Newsquest management's plan for a new round of redundancies which will see the sports and leisure department closed.

Striking journalists are picketing the Sutton and Twickenham newspaper offices and handing out leaflets in the centre of both towns.

The papers involved in the dispute are the Croydon Guardian, Epsom Guardian, Elmbridge Guardian, Kingston Guardian, Streatham Guardian, Sutton Guardian, Wandsworth Guardian, Wimbledon Guardian, Surrey Comet and Richmond & Twickenham Times.

The strikers are keeping journalists and readers informed of development through a special strike blog and you can follow the strike on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ylgstrike

There is also a Facebook group 'Strike - Newsquest South London' http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_150941081644544

Newsquest South London has announced job cuts at the Croydon Guardian, Elmbridge Guardian, Epsom Guardian, Kingston Guardian, Streatham Guardian, Surrey Comet, Sutton Guardian, Wandsworth Guardian and Wimbledon Guardian.

Pic via Facebook