Some 69 journalists at the Birmingham Post and Mail have been excluded from a profit-related bonus because they went on strike.
NUJ members at the Midlands titles took part in a one-day strike in March last year in protest at the decision of owner Trinity Mirror to exclude new recruits from the company’s pension scheme. Journalists were informed at the time that strike action would exclude them from a new profitrelated pay bonus.
The payout that has gone to nonstriking staff is £207.
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An insider at the paper said: “People feel this is a kick in the teeth and that the bonus was supposed to reflect the hard work staff have put in over 365 days and it’s being withheld for a oneday strike that was lawfully and democratically enacted.”
A Trinity Mirror spokesman said: “The rules of the profit-related bonus scheme – which was introduced in 2003 – clearly state that employees not in receipt of contractual pay may not be entitled to a bonus payment.
“Those who went out on strike were aware of the impact it would have on their bonus. The company has remained consistent with this and as such 69 staff have not received a payment of £207.”
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By Dominic Ponsford
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