Journalists at Express Newspapers are to ballot for industrial action over pay.
The company, which publishes the Daily Express, the Sunday Express and The Daily Star, has declined to increase its original pay offer of 3 per cent despite the union’s efforts, though talks overseen by ACAS, to raise the offer to 4.3 per cent – more in line with inflation.
Group editorial director Paul Ashford said in an email to NUJ national organiser Barry Fitzpatrick: “I would like to make the point that whilst the company wishes to look after its staff we are having to operate under increasingly difficult economic circumstances.
‘Inflation may be rising but we have not had the opportunity to raise the prices of our papers or increase our advertising revenues. Under such circumstances there are limits to what the company can do to offset the effects of a mismanaged British economy and stagnating world economy.”
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The union subsequently sent an email to all journalists at Express Newspapers informing them that it is to proceed with a ballot for industrial action.
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