Solidarity messages to #NationalWorldStrike
Send your messages of support to journalists at National World striking for fair pay to #NationalWorldStrike or email [email protected]
Journalists across titles owned by National World are taking strike action today, over the company's failure to offer a fair pay award. The publisher has over 100 titles including The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post, Belfast’s News Letter, Sunderland Echo, Lancashire Post, Sheffield Star, Northampton Chronicle and The News in Portsmouth. Find out more on the campaign.
See what's happening on Twitter at #NationalWorldStrike
To our friends at National World, a message of support from your colleagues at BBC Radio York's NUJ chapel. Your action is courageous and inspiring - true trade unionism - standing up for the values which bind our brilliant union together. Thinking of you all, give us a shout with any help you need. From Julia (chair) Richard (secretary) and all other York chapel members.
Journalists at National World have seen their working conditions deteriorate, their pay eroded and their workforce cut massively over recent years. Sending support and solidarity to NUJ members standing up to this in the current dispute. Maggie Mort, Former MoC United Provincial Newspapers
The NUJ Belfast and District Branch sends its solidarity to all National World NUJ members on their second day of action. They will be supported at an ICTU-NI trade union rally in Belfast at lunchtime along with striking members of other unions eg in the health service.
The PA NUJ chapel sends its wholehearted support and solidarity to fellow NUJ members at National World who are to strike for three days this month over low pay and an imposed real terms pay cut. This is the first ever company-wide industrial action.
It is shameful that some National World staff have to take on second jobs or consider leaving the business because they cannot afford to stay in their roles. Many trainee journalist roles at the company pay less than the hourly rate for cleaners at Aldi, while the rate for senior reporters in some areas is less than £23,000 per year.
As well as failing to address the significant issues with pay, National World has made widespread redundancies since mid-June. Those cuts were being carried out at the same time that the company paid out £1.4m to shareholders and it has since said it is considering a bid for the Telegraph Media Group.
We call on the National World board and its chair, David Montgomery, to use its £22m cash reserves to agree a fair pay deal that reflects the value of its journalists.
We note that National World has over 100 titles including The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post, Belfast’s News Letter, Sunderland Echo, Lancashire Post, Sheffield Star, Northampton Chronicle and The News in Portsmouth.
These titles are among some of the oldest and most valued news brands in communities across the UK and the PA chapel supports efforts by National World NUJ members to take a stand against the continued depletion of resources at these titles, at the same time as fighting to improve their pay and conditions
The London Magazine Branch sends its solidarity to National World journalists striking over decent pay. During this cost-of-living crisis, it is unacceptable that employers believe they can get away with below-inflation pay increases - journalists deserve fair pay!. The branch has approved a £1,000 contribution to the National World strikers hardship fund.
On behalf of the chapel, the Guardian/Observer NUJ committee wishes to express its solidarity with fellow journalists at National World, who are striking this month over a pay offer of 4.5%, which is a real-terms cut.
We note that NUJ members at National World voted 78% in favour of strike action and urge the National World board and its chair, David Montgomery, to use its substantial cash reserves to agree a fair pay deal for all of its journalists. As a further token of our support, we'd like to offer a donation of £500 to the strike fund.
The NUJ Newspapers and Agencies Industrial Council sends support and solidarity to the more than 300 journalists at National World who are striking for three days this week over low pay and an imposed real terms pay cut. This is the first ever company-wide industrial action.
It is shameful that some National World staff have to take on second jobs or consider leaving the business because they cannot afford to stay in their roles. Many trainee journalist roles at the company pay less than the hourly rate for cleaners at Aldi, while the rate for senior reporters in some areas is less than £23,000 per year.
As well as failing to address the significant issues with pay, National World has made widespread redundancies since mid-June. Those cuts were being carried out at the same time that the company paid out £1.4m to shareholders and it has since said it is considering a bid for the Telegraph Media Group.
We call on the National World board and its chair, David Montgomery, to use its £22m cash reserves to agree a fair pay deal that reflects the value of its journalists.
We urge NUJ chapels and branches to send messages of support to [email protected] and to send messages via social media using #NationalWorldStrike. There is a work-to-rule this week and the next confirmed strike dates are Friday 22 September and Monday 25 September.
Solidarity to our members on strike today against low pay in journalism. Natasha Hirst, NUJ president
I want to express my unwavering support and solidarity to all striking journalists today at National World. Local journalists play a huge part in our communities and deserve pay, terms and conditions that reflect their extremely important work. Stay united and know that your efforts are valued and appreciated. Grahame Morris, NUJ Parliamentary group co-chair.
I am very happy to offer my support to you and your colleagues in this dispute. Local journalists play an essential role in our communities and it is only right this is recognised by publishers. I wish you every success in the action you are taking. Cat Smith MP, Member of Parliament for Lancaster and Fleetwood.
The FT Group chapel sends its wholehearted support and solidarity to fellow NUJ members at National World who are to strike for three days this month over low pay and an imposed real terms pay cut. We call on the National World board and its chair, David Montgomery, to use its £22m cash reserves to agree a fair pay deal that reflects the value of its journalists. We note that National World has over 100 titles including The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post, Belfast’s News Letter, Sunderland Echo, Lancashire Post, Sheffield Star, Northampton Chronicle and The News in Portsmouth." NUJ FT Group chapel.
MP for South Shields
I send my solidarity. I worked much of my career as a journalist and reporter, and understand the pressures – and the pleasures – of being a working journo. Now more than ever Scotland needs good quality journalists. In the age of post truth politics and social media noise, quality public discourse and a healthy democracy relies on journalists and quality news outlets that support them. The Scottish press needs fewer polemicists and more top quality journalists. I wish you well in your industrial action.” John Nicolson, SNP CMS Spokesman.
Comedian and #NUJ member Mark Thomas sends a solidarity message to National World journalists taking part in strike action on Monday
Tom Cotterill: I’m standing by my old colleagues from Portsmouth today who are once again striking over pay. Since National World took over, morale across the company has slumped to an all-time low. Local journalism is vital. It needs to be properly paid.
The NUJ London Freelance Branch is backing colleagues at the National World group taking strike action. The regional news sector has been battered and bruised by rapacious and profiteering publishing groups for 25 years – ever since they started to use technological change as an excuse for getting rid of staff rather than investing in their digital future. It is high time that they were taught not to abuse the loyalty and professionalism of their journalists by demanding they accept a real cut in their earnings and the repeated threat of redundancy. National World’s executive chairman David Montgomery has been an aggressive proponent of this style of management for 30 years. Notoriously, when he was chief executive of the Mirror Group from 1992-99, the journalists called him “Rommel” – because “Monty was on our side”. LFB – the NUJ’s biggest branch -- wants much better pay and conditions for staff and freelances alike. Our members will not offer work to National World publications, unless they are contractually bound to do so, while colleagues are on strike. We applaud their action and will support them as far as they have to go to win a fair deal in their workplaces. Tim Gopsill, Chair, NUJ London Freelance Branch
MP for Jarrow
Congratulations to the amazing members at National World who are today standing up for decent pay but also their industry. David Montgomery should be ashamed at the pay many of his journalists receive while carrying out amazing work on behalf of their communities with scant resources. Solidarity in strike action - and onward to a better deal for journalists. Chris Morley, Northern & Midlands senior organiser
The National Union of Journalists’ Welsh Executive Council sends its support and solidarity to NUJ members at National World in their strike this month over low pay and an imposed real terms pay cut. We call on the National World board and its chair, David Montgomery, to use its £22m cash reserves to agree a fair pay deal that reflects the value of its journalists. We note that National World has over 100 titles including: The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post, Belfast’s News Letter, Sunderland Echo, Lancashire Post, Sheffield Star, Northampton Chronicle and The News in Portsmouth. Solidarity from NUJ members in Wales.
Following our branch meeting last night, £500 is now in its way to the NUJ's hardship fund in support of members taking part in the #NationalWorldStrike. Solidarity to @NatWorldNUJ
- see you at the rally on Monday, outside Leeds Art Gallery. NUJ Leeds & West Yorks
The South Yorkshire branch of the NUJ would like to offer solidarity and support to all those taking action. Michele Vincent, branch secretary
The London Magazine Branch sends its solidarity to National World journalists striking over decent pay. During this cost-of-living crisis, it is unacceptable that employers believe they can get away with below-inflation pay increases - journalists deserve fair pay!" Cristina Lago, LMB vice-chair
Thanks and solidarity to everyone taking action at National World. Years of real-terms pay cuts and relentless cutbacks have led to this dispute. Congratulations to the group chapel for getting this campaign organised - it's time for the company to get around the table and put forward a settlement that is acceptable to our members. Don Mort On behalf of the Leeds and West Yorkshire NUJ branch.
Best wishes to all members taking action at National World - your employer is behaving woefully. Solidarity from us. NUJ PR & Communications Committee
Best wishes to all those NUJ members who are forced into strike action after too many years of financial punishment. Their bravery and determination should be saluted. All the very best to each and every one of you from a former staffer now retired in Australia. Peter Johnson, former joint FoC of the NUJ Joint Chapel at Yorkshire Post Newspapers.
This is historic - we believe this is the first strike at the Scotsman in over 30 years. Support striking workers on Monday 18 September from 9.30am at The Scotsman, 80 George Street, Edinburgh. layla-roxanne hill
Solidarity to all National World striking journalists from the Derry Journal picket lines. Thanks also to Patrick Delargy (Sinn Fein MLA), Sinead McLaughlin (SDLP MLA), Ciara Ferguson (Sinn Fein MLA), Grace Nelis (Sinn Fein councillor) who have turned out this morning to show their support to the strikers on Bay Road.
Treatment of your members is an affront in particular and quality journalism in general. Good luck in your endeavours. Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Labour Group Leader, West Lothian Council
Good luck and solidarity to NUJ members at National World titles taking strike action. Our communities rely on local journalists. They need to be paid adequately. Express NUJ chapel
Leader of Green Party, Sheffield City Council
As a Life Member, and former FoC from the old United Provincial Newspapers days, I was proud to join fellow NUJ members supporting the #NationalWorldStrike today. Good on you all. Tony Harcup
Solidarity with my friends and former colleagues who’re striking today against cuts and low pay #NationalWorldStrike Katie Brooks
Trades Council delegates supporting the @NUJofficial rally at Guildhall Square in Portsmouth today. Members are fighting for fair pay. Solidarity! Portsmouth Trades Council
Journalists play a key role in our democracy by uncovering and exposing wrongdoing by our leaders and public figures. They deserve to be paid as such! #solidarityforever @NUJofficial @ChronandEcho @NTelegraph West Northants Labour Group
Gerry Murphy, ICTU assistant general secretary joins today's Belfast picket in solidarity. @irishcongress