Newspaper staff ‘worried’ as company asks for 10% pay cut
The union representing journalists at the Irish Examiner and Evening Echo newspapers has said today that staff are “fearful” and “worried” about a company request to take a pay cut of 10%.
A union spokesman said that members were also concerned by news that the pension fund was carrying a €20m deficit.
A representative for the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the newspapers said that the union would gather the views of its members in advance of formal talks with the company next Wednesday.
After a meeting today at Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork, the newspapers’ owners Thomas Crosbie Holdings said in a statement: "The company has tried to avoid pay cuts for as long as possible while other media companies have been implementing cuts over the last two years," the company said in a statement.
"The company believes that pay cuts are now essential to protect the future of the business and employment within the business.
"The Irish Examiner and the Evening Echo are as challenged as other companies in the media sector, but we are satisfied that we are taking the steps necessary to ensure the future success of the business."
The cut, if agreed, will take effect from October 1.
