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Alpha Newspapers staff get pay increase and better terms


NUJ members in Alpha Newspapers in Northern Ireland have voted to accept a pay deal negotiated by union officers and the company. Management resisted offering more than 1 per


cent, claiming it had to balance its books and it was still facing financial challenges. However, the NUJ managed to secure other concessions, such as an increase in mileage from 37p per mile to 45p per mile. The company also offered an additional four


weeks on half pay on sick leave in a 12-month period for those with five years’ or more service. That is in addition to the current entitlement that everyone with more than a year’s service has, of four full weeks’ sick pay in a 12-month period. While the 1 per cent pay increase came into


effect on March 1st, 2018, the other two parts of the deal came into effect as soon as the members voted in favour of the agreement. This agreement comes a year after the NUJ


negotiated new pay structures for its members in the company. The deal covers all seven chapels: Coleraine


Chronicle, Antrim Guardian/Ballymena Guardian, Tyrone Courier, Newry Democrat, County Down Outlook, Tyrone Constitution/Strabane Weekly News, and Ulster Gazette.


The agreement will be applied to the 39 NUJ members in these papers. Irish Organiser, Ian McGuinness, thanked all of the chapel reps who travelled to negotiations and liaised with the Irish Office: “Every chapel in Alpha was represented, which yet again shows that when members come together in a workplace to organise an NUJ chapel, they can win better terms and conditions for themselves and their colleagues. This couldn’t have happened without the input of the MOCs and FOCs.” Talks have now begun on a pay claim on behalf of Alpha Newspapers NUJ members in the Republic, working at the Tullamore Tribune and the Midland Tribune, Birr.


Irish News accepts 3 per cent pay offer


Members at The Irish News in Belfast have voted to accept a 3 per cent pay offer by the company. The offer came after the NUJ met with management and lodged a pay claim late last year. The 3 per cent increase is payable from January 1st. However, the company has said that the offer did not apply to a small number of self- employed journalists and columnists who work for the daily newspaper, despite the NUJ stating at its meeting with the company that it was lodging a claim on behalf of all its members. As a result, the NUJ Irish Office has written to the company, seeking a meeting about the pay


rates for the freelance journalists concerned. The chapel is also seeking to open house


agreement talks with the company and has formally written to management seeking a start to discussions on that matter, too. NUJ Irish Organiser, Ian McGuinness, paid tribute to FOC Kenny Archer and Deputy MOC Bimpe Archer: “Kenny and Bimpe have been stalwart activists for many years now and without their involvement the work of the Irish Office would be nearly impossible. “The example of The Irish News chapel


proves that where you have a chapel and active reps, you are more likely to secure improved terms and conditions for the members,” he said.


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