NUJ sets up hardship fund for Reach journalists set to strike

News in brief

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) have set up a fund to support striking journalists at Reach who are set to walk out for the first day out of four this Friday.

In a message to its members, the NUJ said: “As NUJ members across Reach gear up for strike action, we are launching a union-wide appeal raising funds for a special NUJ hardship fund. All donations will be gratefully received – please also encourage whip-rounds and donations from your chapels and branches.”

Both the NUJ and Reach have called for last-minute talks to avert the four days of strike action over pay disputes which will affect union  members across national and regional publications including The Mirror, The Daily Express, Liverpool Echo and Manchester Evening News.

The union previously rejected a salary increase of 3% or £750, whichever is more, for its members at Reach saying this would not be enough to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

Reach has said it remains open to negotiations but also said there will be no increased pay offer on the table.