A planned strike by by around 1000 journalists at Reach titles has been postponed, as the publisher enters talks with the National Union of Journalists.
“We are pleased to report that the NUJ have accepted our offer to meet with ACAS for further talks, in hope of a resolution,” said a Reach spokesperson.
“This means that the industrial action planned for Friday 26th August has been postponed while we plan to meet with the NUJ at the earliest opportunity. This is a positive and significant step in finding a way forward for everyone.”
It means there won’t be picket lines at newspaper offices in Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and Hull.
NUJ members voted for action after they rejected a proposed pay rise of 3% (or £750, if that amounted to higher).
The two parties will now re-enter talks through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service as they seek a negotiated settlement.
“We welcome the invitation to talks and both sides will enter into the process of negotiations in good faith and with a sense of urgency. The NUJ is committed to achieving a fair outcome,” said Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary.
She added that should negations not reach a successful conclusion, strikes planned for next Wednesday would go ahead.
