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: [email protected]
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!
