NUJ members call for strike ballot

The company says the UK pay budget can rise only 2.5 per cent in 2009 because of the tough economic climate. The latest offer is for a one per cent increase across the board with a further 1.5 per cent based on performance.

The offer was rejected unanimously at the NUJ meeting. A further motion to hold a ballot for industrial action was passed by an overwhelming majority.

A strike over job cuts following the April merger of Thomson and Reuters was averted when management promised there would be no compulsory redundancies in the UK editorial operation.

A company spokeswoman told The Guardian that talks over a pay deal were continuing. ■