Reuters' journalists to vote on strike action
Union claims 'shabby treatment' toward journalist over changes to job roles
– 2 min read
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NUJ members at Reuters have called for a vote on strike action after 'shabby treatment' toward journalists over job restructuring at the agency.
The union has called for a ballot on industrial action on the company's 'refusal to hold meaningful negotiations' over changes to editorial job roles that come into force today.
Reuters said that changes were part of an 'internal HR reclassification of some roles within Reuters editorial'.
The 'reclassification' comes ahead of Reuters' planned merger with Canadian information service Thomson. However, the company said today that changes to editorial jobs were part of a process that pre-dated the merger and was unrelated.
On Wednesday, David Schlesinger, Reuters editor-in-chief, was questioned by members of a House of Lords Committee about the planned merger and the company's alleged failure to properly consult staff.
"This is a shabby way for Reuters to treat its journalists," said Myra MacDonald, the NUJ's mother of chapel at Reuters.
"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."
"Members feel forced into this position by the failure of the company to engage with its employees," added Barry Fitzpatrick, national organiser for the NUJ.
"We urge Reuters management not to impose these changes, but to follow our agreed procedures and negotiate with the union."
A spokeswoman for Reuters said: "Reuters has been in consultation with the NUJ since early December.
"Active discussions relate to an internal HR reclassification of some roles within Reuters editorial.
"These reclassifications are non-contractual, do not affect terms and conditions, and will be of significant benefit to staff in the newsroom.
"The review will result in a more transparent editorial framework, and will allow journalists more structure and visibility as to their career progression.
"Reuters is continuing its discussions with the NUJ, and remains committed to ensuring that all discussions adhere to due process."
Written by
Laura Oliver is a freelance journalist, a contributor to the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, co-founder of The Society of Freelance Journalists and the former editor of Journalism.co.uk (prior to it becoming JournalismUK)
