10th Dec 2018 16:39
LONDON (Alliance News) - Journalists at two Belfast newspapers are to be balloted on possible strike action in a dispute over pay.
The National Union of Journalists is to ballot its members at the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life.
The union said talks aimed at securing pay rises and a new collective agreement had failed to reach resolution.
The owner of the titles – Independent News and Media PLC – declined to comment on the development.
Ian McGuinness, NUJ Irish organiser, said: "For nearly two years we have been trying to get the company to engage in a constructive and meaningful way.
"It has procrastinated, delayed and frustrated the talks process. In a last-ditch attempt to try to talk sense into the company on these matters, the NUJ referred the dispute to the Labour Relations Agency for collective conciliation.
"Unfortunately, because of the company's stance, that attempt has so far failed.
"Our members held a chapel meeting on Friday and they are frustrated and angry by the lack of progress. They see no alternative but to ask the union to start a ballot for industrial action, including strike action, to get their message across.
"The message to the company is simple – Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life journalists deserve a pay rise and they should be paid extra when they take on a more senior role.
"The company is profitable and can afford it. It is not too late for INM to recognise the contribution of their workers to the success of the titles and reward them fairly for their work.
"The NUJ remains willing to engage in further talks at any stage to resolve this escalating dispute."
A spokesman for Independent News & Media said the company would not be commenting on the NUJ move.
By David Young, Press Association
source: Press Association
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