Trinity Mirror is cutting a further seven editorial jobs from its combined Media Wales new operation – which publishes the South Wales Echo, Western Mail, Wales on Sunday and the Celtic series of weekly newspapers.
According to the NUJ, the latest job cuts follow a reduction in editorial headcount of 17 earlier this year – and a further eight vacancies not being filled.
However, in February this year Media Wales did announce the recruitment of six new internet journalists.
According to Trinity Mirror, the use of new tehchnology means there is no longer such a need for the current number of branch offices.
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It is to consolidate the network of branch offices in South Wales into three main offices in Merthyr, Bridgend and Pontypridd. Offices in Aberdare, Ebbw Vale and Neath are to close.
It is also planning to cut the number of weekly editors to four, with one editor for the Merthyr Express and Rhymney Valley and Gwent Gazette, one editor for the Rhonda Leader and Pontypridd Observer, one for the Cynon Valley Leader and an editor for the Glamorgan Gazette and the Neath and Port Talbot Guardians.
A new position of West Wales multimedia editor will be created.
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In the Cardiff newsroom, two journalists’ jobs are being axed and one manager.
NUJ members at Media Wales have said they will hold a strike ballot if any members are threatened with compulsory redundancy.
NUJ father of chapel Martin Shipton said: “We have voted unanimously to hold a ballot for industrial action if it emerges during talks with management that there is a real threat of any NUJ member being made redundant.
“We strongly deplore the planned job cuts and the closure of district offices, a poor way of repaying the loyalty shown by readers in the communities affected over many years.”
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