STV Journalists (NUJ) Strike Calendar
Strike Type: Other
Latest STV Journalists Industrial Action Updates (4)
Approximately 100 STV staff members commenced a strike on May 8th due to ongoing pay disputes, causing the cancellation of Scottish election result coverage.
Staff union members, supported by those from Bectu representing technical staff, initiated the industrial action after management proposed a zero percent pay award earlier in March.
Messages of solidarity have been received from various unions and organizations across the broader movement.
Supporters have emphasized the value of journalism and the necessity of fair compensation for the work performed.
The action has led to STV broadcasting reruns instead of planned coverage for a major Scottish news day.
The striking workers are reportedly frustrated that management's stance has forced them onto picket lines rather than engaging in reporting.
Support has come from national trade union bodies and various university and college union branches.
The consistent theme from external groups is support for the striking workers' demand for a fair pay deal.
News staff at STV plan a one-day strike on January 7th in opposition to compulsory redundancies and the proposed cancellation of the north edition of the News at 6 programme.
The planned strike prompted STV to postpone the debut of its new commercial radio station, STV Radio, by one day to January 6th.
A preceding ballot showed 94% of union members favoured industrial action, with an 82% turnout.
Following a July profits warning, STV announced plans in September for 60 redundancies, half within the news department, alongside axing one of the two regional editions of the News at 6 and regional updates.
These proposed licence changes require approval from the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, and have faced public and political opposition.
Despite a reduction in compulsory redundancies due to voluntary departures and restructuring, consultations with affected staff continue, while the union opposes any compulsory job losses.
Ofcom granted provisional approval on December 16th for a modified plan involving a single news programme across two licence areas with guaranteed regional coverage, though the union criticizes this revised approach.
The union points out that the company is proceeding with a half-million-pound expenditure to establish the commercial radio station despite citing losses as justification for job cuts.
Journalists at the company have voted to accept an improved pay offer. NUJ members voted 82 per cent in favour of the deal, which includes a pay rise backdated to January and a guaranteed bonus worth between £300 and £500.
he NUJ is seeking a 6% rise for members to help keep pace with inflation. The union argues salaries for journalists at the company have fallen behind the pay for equivalent roles at the BBC and ITV, which runs the rest of the channel three network.
STV Journalists Strike Calendar
4 Strike Dates 0 Planned