NUJ says Trinity Mirror's pay freeze is a pay cut

The NUJ has called for talks on Trinity Mirror's future strategy after the company imposed a 12 month pay freeze.

The union says the company's journalists now face a cut in take-home pay as inflation is running at almost five per cent.

It claims that under the pay freeze, Sly Bailey, Trinity Mirror chief executive, will continue to earn a basic salary of £740,000 and a bonus likely to top £600,000, while a senior reporter working for a Trinity Mirror regional title can expect to earn between £21,000 and £26,000.

The NUJ also points out that circulation of the the Sunday Mirror benefited from a 61 per cent increase following the closure of the News of the World.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “Trinity Mirror’s pay freeze is a kick in the teeth for its hard working staff. Journalists are already working overtime to get their paper out, following cuts to newsroom staff. It's time Trinity Mirror sat down with the NUJ for national discussions on the group's future strategy, so all options for 2012 can be discussed."