For immediate release 25 July 2007
STUC on The Herald Newspapers Strike
Commenting on today’s strike action at The Herald, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, said:
“The STUC strongly supports the workers taking this action and deplores the conduct of the management at The Herald and its sister publications. The fact that this is the first strike action in 27 years at the paper suggests how grave the situation is.
“The loss of experienced and specialist staff has undoubtedly had a detrimental impact on the quality of these publications, which until now were recognised internationally as outstanding national papers. Investment is now required if the reputation of The Herald is to be saved. Management cannot truly believe that the current level of profits can be sustained in the long-term without major investment.
“It is about time that our politicians started taking an active interest in the ever-diminishing capacity of Scotland’s media sector. A strong, independent media is required to help sustain a healthy economy, culture and democracy. Government and regulators must wake up to the problems of reconciling a strong, independent quality press with the principle of shareholder value”.
ENDS
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Stephen Boyd 07976 978 355