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STV journalists have voted for strike action in a dispute over job cuts and proposals to cancel a dedicated news program in the North. scotland,
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said that a poll of members found that 94% were in favor of strike action and 98% supported action short of a strike, on an 82% turnout.
It comes after the broadcaster announced proposals to make 60 staff redundant NUJ Saying that half of them would be in the newsroom.
In addition, STV plans to replace its Central Belt and Northern Scotland news with a single programme. glasgowIt includes sections dedicated to regional news.
First Minister of Scotland john swinney Have already expressed their concerns regarding the proposals.
The union said some of the proposals require Ofcom’s approval, and the regulator’s public consultation is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ national organizer for Scotland, said: “Voting for industrial action is a step no worker takes lightly.
“This result reflects both the strength of sentiment within our members at STV regarding the cuts and the way management has handled them.
“While we acknowledge the progress that STV management has already made in trying to reduce the number of compulsory redundancies, the plan they are proposing to ax the STV North edition of News at 6 is bad for viewers, bad for journalism, and bad for the north of Scotland.
“This is a dispute about quality journalism, and ensuring that the north of Scotland can continue to have access to reliable, trustworthy, quality news coverage that is delivered to their communities.
“We will continue to fight for every single job in the newsroom.”
STV said the results of the ballot on industrial action were “disappointing”.
It said STV’s cost savings program is being created in response to challenging trading conditions in the advertising and content commissioning markets and structural changes in viewing habits.
Rufus Radcliffe, chief executive of STV, said: “Today’s voting result is disappointing, particularly as the consultation process has not yet ended and we are making significant progress through voluntary redundancies and redeployments.
“As a result, we expect the number of people affected on a mandatory basis to be much lower.
“Our proposals will protect local journalism and ensure STV News Is economically sustainable.
“This type of change is never easy, and we remain focused on supporting our partners through this necessary transition.”