Telegraph staff could strike for first time in 19 years

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Staff at Telegraph Media Group (TMG) could strike for the first time in 19 years, as a ballot for industrial action was called today. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) formally confirmed that staff at the group will ballot for strike action following the recent announcement of significant job cuts and changes to working conditions.

Last month TMG said it planned to axe casual staff from its editorial operations and put all full-time journalists on a '10 day fortnight' shift pattern.

"Bosses at the Telegraph are treating their staff with a shocking level of contempt. They seem to think they can simply ignore their workers’ employment rights and conceal this exploitation with the announcement of new jobs that will make scant difference to overall staffing levels," said Barry Fitzpatrick, NUJ National Newspapers Organiser, in a press statement.

Fitzpatrick complained that the group is demanding extra hours without proper consultation or improved pay.

"Sadly, this disregard for our members’ loyalty and hard work seems to be a culture that has dominated the newsroom since the Barclay brothers bought the papers," he said.

The ballot opens on Thursday September 4 and closes on Thursday September 18. The NUJ have said any action would not be taken before September 25.