STV staff to walk out in pay row

JOURNALISTS at STV are to go on strike in their campaign for a six per cent pay rise.

The National Union of Journalists ( NUJ) said members at STV in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness will walk out for 24 hours today, with another strike planned on April 16.

The NUJ is seeking a 6% pay rise for members to “keep pace with inflation” during the cost- ofliving crisis, and it claimed their salaries are less than equivalent roles at the BBC or ITV.

The union said STV, which is independent from ITV, offered the 6% increase for the bottom 3% of earners and claimed it cannot afford to pay more.

However, STV said a proposal that would see all staff receive a bonus was rejected by the union, and the broadcaster described its offer as “fair”.

The union said experienced reporters earn less than the starting salary for a teacher, which is £ 38,655 in Scotland, while around 80% of the newsroom earn less than a teacher with five years’ experience.

Nick McGowan- Lowe, NUJ national organiser, said: “Our members across Scotland produce the award- winning journalism that is the flagship of the STV brand and are only asking for their pay to keep track with inflation.

“Simon Pitts, STV chief executive, was paid over £ 900,000 from the company last year and only a small fraction of that would settle this dispute.

“He and the STV board needs to listen to members and come back to the table with a fair offer.”

A spokesperson for STV said: “We’ve continued to engage with the NUJ with the aim of finding resolution and we remain open to further dialogue, but their claim for an above inflation pay increase of 6% is unrealistic and unaffordable.

“Our enhanced offer of this week, which included confirmation of a bonus for all STV employees as we won’t agree a separate deal for NUJ members was rejected by the NUJ. Contingency plans are in place.”