The heroes of York

AS THE DUST settles on the deal which ended the York Press pay dispute, it’s important that we recognise the massive effort the chapel made in taking on Newsquest, and what a valuable contribution to our union this was.

Though the members didn’t get everything they wanted this time, they certainly won the argument, and can be justifiably proud of what they did achieve and how they went about it.

They ran a fantastic campaign, during which we witnessed a chapel energised and united, vibrant and imaginative.

Their lively picket lines had something to teach even the most seasoned activists in this and other unions.

The level of support they generated from the public, politicians and other groups shows how well-respected they are in the city, and the importance of this cannot be overstated, as we’re continually invited to believe how much everyone hates journalists.

In stark contrast, the redundancies, coming when they did, show just what bastards Newsquest bosses are, and in what regard they hold their workers. I’m sure the excellent chapel reps will be working hard to get the best for those that go, and reorganising the ones who stay to fight another day.

I hope we don’t just chalk this one up as another dispute on a local paper and forget about it. There are lessons there for other chapels, and we should think about how to share across the union some of what our colleagues in York picked up along the way.

Richard Simcox
London SE23

The Journalist is published by the National Union of Journalists