Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/368/6044
From The Socialist newspaper, 30 October 2004
Manchester Evening News Strike
JOURNALISTS WORKING for the Manchester Evening News (MEN) will stage two days of strike action on 31 October and 1 November. This follows a 83% 'yes' vote for industrial action after a ballot of all MEN journalists.
Christian Bunke, Manchester NUJ joint branch secretary
The journalists are angry about management plans to introduce a breakfast edition of their newspaper, without providing any extra resources or employing any more staff. The paper would still be called Manchester Evening News though.
Because of these changes, MEN journalists would have to work nightshifts and Sundays, something that is not part of their contracts. The new shifts also don't allow the breaks required under the working time regulations.
More than 50 journalists have already submitted individual grievances and after the strike, the MEN chapel (NUJ workplace organisation) will impose a work to rule, refusing to work the extra shifts.
We will also appeal to the drivers employed by the company, who also suffer changed working hours because of the morning edition. The NUJ will work towards joint campaigning with these drivers.
We call on the wider public to boycott the MEN during the strike and to boycott the morning edition from then on.
Readers of the socialist can send e-mails to David Benjamin, the MEN managing director:
MEN belongs to the Guardian Media group, whose regional wing made £30 million profit last year. Ask David Benjamin why he says the employers cannot afford new staff.
You can also send a message of solidarity to: jude.gordon@ntlworld.com
Judy Gordon is the mother of the chapel (shop steward) at the MEN.
Money to support the dispute is also very welcome. Make cheques payable to "MEN journalists chapel" and send to NUJ, Arthur House, Chorlton Street, Manchester, M1 3FH.
We will have a lively picket line, come and support us!
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In The Socialist 30 October 2004:
International socialist news and analysis
Israel: Sharon's 'Entanglement Plan'
Ukraine: Galol Plant Workers Left High And Dry
Opel Workers - Down But Not Out
Socialist Party campaigns
Socialist Party Stands To Stop Privatisers
How The NHS Is Being Taken Apart
Wythenshawe: Young People Need Decent
Facilities
Four Weeks To Get All Pledges In
Workplace news and events
Manchester Evening News Strike
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