NUJ reps from across Johnston Press newspapers are to hold a conference this weekend (Saturday 20 March) to prepare for a ballot on industrial action to save jobs at dozens of the company’s titles, writes Peter Murray, NUJ president.

Johnston Press are trying to force staff to use the much-criticised Atex “content management system”.  This will involve slashing jobs and forcing sub-editors in Scarborough to move to Sheffield or face the sack.

Journalists at the Blackpool Gazette and Herald are leading the campaign with a Day of Action against Atex on Monday 22 March. The withdrawal of goodwill and refusal to attend training courses on the new system is in defiance of management’s claim that a massive “yes” vote for action in a consultative ballot was invalid.

Johnston debts

Johnston Press is heavily in debt from ill-advised investments in the nineties and noughties, yet is still pulling in double-digit operating profits. Its scandalous “take-it-or-take-off” ultimatum has provoked widespread anger among NUJ members not seen before.

Chapels at Johnston Press can use this anger and start planning for national industrial action across all titles, with a ballot likely from mid-April.

NUJ Left members should firmly support the campaign at Johnston Press. It is time to act on the consultative ballot (which showed 87% in favour of action) over the Atex changes. Determined and united industrial action is the best way for members to demonstrate that quality and our jobs are not expendable. No divide and rule at Johnston Press. Support a single ballot against Atex. Vote “yes” for national action.

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