The National Union of Journalists has served notice of strike action at Johnston Press titles in the Republic of Ireland, in response to proposed job losses following the introduction of the Atex editorial production system.

According to a release from the NUJ, its members at the Limerick Leader, the Leinster Leader, the Leinster Express, the Offaly Express and the Clonmel Nationalist voted "overwhelmingly" in favour of a one day strike, which is now planned for Tuesday 23 November.

At both the Clonmel Nationalist and the Offaly Express, 100 per cent of union members voted in favour of industrial action, while 89 per cent of members at the Limerick Leader and Leinster Leader supported strike action.

"Job cuts are proposed as a result of the new system, which Johnston Press management says will negate the need for sub editors," the release said.

"However the journalists believe that the system will increase the workload on those left behind. Many of those targeted for redundancy have long service with their respective newspapers, acquired by the UK-based company during their expansion into the Irish market."

Nicola Coleman, the NUJ's Irish organiser added that the strike was about protecting employment and defending journalistic standards.

"The experience of this union in the UK is that the new system and reduced staffing levels have led to chaos – the results have been disastrous publications. Papers have been sent to print with pictures missing, wrong headlines and serious subbing errors. In one case, the barcode was not printed so shops could not sell that edition.
 
"Some titles in the UK had to re-employ some casual staff following the cuts when newsrooms could not cope with the workload. NUJ members in Ireland are determined to protect journalists and newspapers from a similar fate."
 
According to the NUJ strikes at other Irish titles were averted after new 'content editor' posts were created.

The union said it has asked the Johnston Press Group in the Republic of Ireland to remove threats to jobs until after the Atex system is introduced and staffing levels can be assessed. Talks between the union and the company are understood to be scheduled for Friday.

Johnston Press has not responded to a request for comment.

Update:

Johnston Press has since responded with comment from its divisional managing director for Ireland, Jean Long, who said the company is "extremely disappointed".

"The company has invested heavily in a new editorial system in order to improve the workflow and content of its publications and websites. In Northern Ireland, the journalists have embraced the new system and implementation has been successful.

"This investment, particularly at this time, is an indication of the company’s commitment to the future of its newspapers and websites. As with all industry, the introduction of new technology brings change, and regrettably change is sometimes met by a lack of understanding and resistance. The company is endeavouring to minimise the impact of the introduction of the new system through voluntary redundancy and redeployment, and by communication and consultation with the staff and their representatives.

"If our titles are to meet the challenges presented by the unprecedented downturn in the economy, they must take full advantage of new technology.

"Many of our titles are institutions in their communities and reflect the lives and issues of local people. The company is committed to this tradition and will maintain editorial standards and the quality of its publications.

"The company has strong contingency plans in place and is confident that the affected titles will continue to be published."

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