Thursday 4 August 2011

South Yorks strikers meet Johnston chief Fry


Striking journalists from the Johnston Press-owned South Yorkshire Newspapers today spoke directly to JP chief executive John Fry outside the offices of the Sheffield Star.

Fry came out to talk to the journalists who are on indefinite strike and had a 25 minute informal discussion with them.

According to the NUJ, the strikers were able to express their concerns about job cuts, office closures, excessive workloads and the declining standards of the newspapers.

When asked directly if South Yorkshire Newspapers would consider discussions through ACAS, an offer made by strikers last week, Fry reportedly said "no" and added: "We prefer to talk directly with our colleagues."

Chris Morley, the NUJ's northern and midlands organiser said: "While it is good that our striking members were able to put the issues directly to the chief executive, we should be having proper discussions with reps without the threat of our members losing their jobs. We believe a solution can be found but there must be a clear realisation that the company understands the problems. At the moment the company seems to be in denial about that."

Pic: NUJ

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