The Irish Journalist
Northern Ireland strike threats ensure a bigger slice of the pie for journalists
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NUJ reps Michael Scott (Tyrone Courier), Steve Malone (Newry Democrat), Christine Harrison (Antrim and Ballymena Guardian), Jason Craig (Coleraine Chronicle) and Richard Burden Ulster Gazette).
Two major threats of strike action in Northern Ireland h a v e w o n b e t t e r conditions for journalists and shown the power of effective trade union organisation. Strikes at all Johnston Press owned titles in Northern Ireland and Alpha Newspapers, the biggest regional publ isher in Northern Ireland, were averted in April after deals were
reached. Both threatened strikes had overwhelming support and high trade union density 85% in Alpha and 95% in Johnston Press.
In Alpha newly organised
NUJ members voted almost 100% in favour of strike in a dispute over t rade union recognition and pay. Speaking at the NUJ’s delegate meeting Nicola Coleman, Irish Organiser, said that a pay survey of Alpha members last autumn revealed a significant number of journalists, many with years of service, were paid the national minimum wage with many women being paid less than men. Almost a third earned less than £15,000. The Belfast News Letter
reported that the line went dead when their journalist Adam Kula tried to gauge the reaction of the chairman of the group, John Taylor, Lord Kilclooney (a
former MEP and deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party) to comparisons made between his personal fortune and the wages paid to Journalists in his papers. The Belfast Telegraph reported that his personal wealth was £30.4 million. The NUJ and Alpha issued
this joint statement following last minute talks: “Strike action has been called off at Alpha Newspapers following further talks between the company and the NUJ. The company and union are pleased with the outcome and look forward to a strong future for the newspaper group”
Meanwhile in Johnston
Press chapels, The Derry Journal, the Morton Newspaper
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