Newsquest Essex journalists call off planned strike

Journalists at Newsquest's local newspapers in Essex have called off a planned strike that was due to start today.

Union members at the Basildon Echo, who had been working to rule for a fortnight, were due to take part in a three-day walkout, after a pay rise in January failed to materialise.

Mother of chapel Sally King said members agreed to call off the strike following "constructive talks" last week.

She added: "We're hoping for some positive news in June" - when management are due to review staff pay.

Another strike, planned at the Colchester Gazette for Wednesday, is also understood to have been called off.

Newsquest Essex managing director Martin McNeill told Journalism.co.uk last week: "While we are not in a position to increase salaries at Newsquest Essex at the moment, due to difficult trading conditions, we have made it clear we will review the situation in June."

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).