The Liverpool Post and Echo are facing a boycott from readers over plans by publisher Trinity Mirror to move printing to Greater Manchester, union officials have claimed.
Unite, the trade union representing print workers, has taken its fight to Parliament today and will meet 17 Merseyside MPs later this afternoon to discuss the proposed closure of the Liverpool print plant, which has put 100 jobs at risk.
Regional officer Paul Finegan said union members had been discussing the end of 154 years of local newspaper printing with the public, and a street campaign last month prompted 2,000 people to sign a petition.
“Most of the public were shocked by what is happening – they didn’t know what was going on and they weren’t happy,” he said.
Related
“Some people have mentioned doing a boycott of the Liverpool Echo. We see that as a last resort but they have threatened it – others will not be buying it ever again.
“I don’t think Trinity Mirror realises how much this means to the people of Merseyside. We urge Trinity Mirror at the highest level to reconsider its position and keep the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo printed on Merseyside.”
Trinity Mirror announced last month that it was looking to move printing of its two Liverpool dailies to an expanded printworks in Oldham in Greater Manchester. The Post is due to move next month, with the Echo following next year.
Content from our partners
The publisher has said there were no plans to switch the Echo to full overnight printing – but the move is likely to have an effect on deadlines for the paper as Oldham is an hour’s drive from Liverpool.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
