Strike alert

NUJ members at Trinity Mirror, the Guardian and the Financial Times have authorised the union to call ballots on possible strike action. Members at Thomson Reuters were due to have struck on 9 and 10 February, and at Newsquest on 13 February.

Watch nuj.org.uk for further strike dates, on which you may find yourself unavailable.

Freelances who suffer hardship as a result of being unavailable should contact the striking chapel.

Meanwhile national papers have announced cut-backs on casuals' shifts. News International is offering an "exit payment" and the Independent a choice between an exit payment and continuing to do fewer shifts. The Guardian is reported to be cutting half its shifts. The Freelance Office is doing its best to support members with claims for "exit payments".