Strike alert at Herts & Essex Newspapers

Settled - talks promised

21 June 2002

The Herts & Essex Chapel have overwhelmingly agreed to accept management's latest offer, narrowly avoiding strike action that was due next week.

It was only when management received notification of the ballot result and the decision of the Chapel to strike for three days that they agreed to meet the Chapel negotiating team and National Newspaper Organiser, Barry Fitzpatrick.

More on www.nuj.org.uk

23 June 2002

The improved offer equals £1,500 from May 1 for year one trainees, plus backdated lump sums. Also, fringe benefits are being considered for the first time.

Members did not think at this stage a strike would take them further forward, after three months of negotiations.

Seniors got 2.7 per cent or £500 - that will have to be tackled next year.

Management agreed to negotiations starting on 1 February 2003 for next year's pay round. We've still got a long way to go - the start rate for trainees is only £12,550 still - but we've come such a long way in just a couple of years. Now we know that people are prepared to go out on strike and will be even more so next year, if need be. And we have 90% NUJ membership.

Pat Roberts
Mother of Chapel, Herts & Essex newspapers

Herts & Essex Newspapers Ltd is owned by the Cambridge-based Yattendon Investment Trust. It publishes the Herts & Essex Observer, Hertfordshire Mercury and Harlow Star.