The National Union of Journalists has called on Newsquest to support NWN Media newspapers, after acquiring the firm last month.
The publisher bought the North West-based firm, which prints the Leader, Chester Standard and North West Chronicle amongst others.
“There is great disquiet among NUJ members within Newsquest that a company that keeps its journalists on poverty pay can splash out many millions to takeover independent newspapers left stranded by the market,” said Newsquest NUJ coordinator, Chris Morley.
“Our members in Newsquest are screaming out for investment in their titles, not more victims to be squeezed dry and discarded for the benefit of boosting boardroom pay and rewarding US shareholders.”
While the Union has expressed concern, NWN’s managing director said at the time that he believed it was “the best way forward for our group of titles.”
Newsquest’s chief executive added that they were aiming to “facilitate a structure whereby they can benefit from the resources that Newsquest can provide whilst enabling them to carry on doing what they do best – namely providing first class local content, and advertising solutions for the readers and businesses in their region.”
“We urge the company to reassure staff that their jobs are secure and that there is no threat to terms and conditions,” added John Toner, NUJ Welsh national organiser.
