Journalists at the Guardian and Observer are considering whether an overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action will be enough to derail talks by the Guardian Media Group (GMG) to sell off its Sunday title. The title’s NUJ chapel will meet this afternoon (20 November) to discuss next steps after a ballot found 93 per cent backed industrial action, on a 75 per cent turnout of staff. Insiders say action being considered includes stoppages during the working day, but warn growing anger towards management meant they might go to immediately announcing a set of strike days.
Bosses at GMG must be starting to wonder if plans to jettison the 233-year-old Observer are really worth causing what could be severe disruption to its global Guardian brand. Exclusive talks are continuing between GMG and the potential buyer, the digital start-up Tortoise Media, but are due to end next month. The NUJ has said any strike action will be pulled if the sell-off plans are halted.
Content from our partners
