Strike threat in reuters dispute

By admin on January 24, 2008 12:00 AM

REUTERS employees in the UK look set to ballot for strike action following a dispute over job roles.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has backed staff in accusing the company of refusing to hold negotiations with reporters over the changes.
They are designed to create a common framework across all of the company's centres worldwide. Reuters has an office in South Colonnade, Canary Wharf.

Workers voted unanimously to begin organising an industrial action ballot last week.
The news organisation is currently waiting for approval on its merger with Canadian publisher Thomson.
Myra MacDonald, the NUJ's Mother of Chapel at Reuters, said: "This is a shabby way for Reuters to treat its journalists. Our members are furious that the company's management seems to think it can ride roughshod over its agreements with the union.
"This is not just about job roles but about the NUJ's right to hold meaningful negotiations with management as we go into a merger that will have huge implications for the future of our journalists and the quality of our journalism."
Reuters editor-in-chief David Schlesinger was questioned by members of a House of Lords committee last Wednesday (January 16) regarding the firm's approach to consulting on the plan.
A statement issued by Reuters said the firm had been in consultation with the NUJ about the "internal HR re-classification" since December.
"These reclassifications are non contractual, do not affect terms and conditions, and will be of significant benefit to staff in the newsroom," it said.
"Reuters is continuing its discussions with the NUJ, and remains committed to ensuring that all discussions adhere to due process."
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