One fifth of MEN journalists are made redundant
– and where was the editor?
4 March 2006
Friday March 3 2006 was a sad day for journalists at the Manchester Evening News, when 27 of their colleagues/comrades/friends plus a number of editorial support staff were made redundant. It could have been worse, they were all 'voluntary' although many were clearly leaving after being made an offer they couldn't refuse – jump or be pushed.
Their pals made it a day to remember with gifts, cards, emotional farewells and a party to end all parties at a local hostelry where chapel finances were put to good use. Fighting funds are to lift the spirits as well as gird the loins.
It was wonderful to see so many people there, including faces from the near and distant past who were able to assure those leaving that there is life on the outside.
Earlier, a gloomy and depressed newsroom had watched the day unfold nervously and a little tearfully.
Sadly, editor Paul Horrocks was unable to be there to salute the one-fifth of his staff who were leaving at the behest of new boss Mark Dodson – he was unavoidably detained playing golf.
Timing is clearly not his forte – he was on holiday when the Dodson review which culminated in these job losses was announced.
But well-liked and respected news editor Ian Wood delivered a moving and emotional speech which gave a true indication of the devastation being visited on a newsroom he called "a very special place, the beating heart of this newspaper". His words eloquently captured the mood and spirit and were much appreciated.
Meanwhile, those left behind can only wonder at how the newspaper can possibly function minus all those valued and hard-working journalists, library and picture desk staff plus photographers.
The NUJ chapel is still in negotiation over management's demands for further 'flexible working' to cover for the redundant staff, overturning a hard-won agreement signed only 18 months ago. Editorial managers are frantically making sure they don't have to cover the unsocial shifts left vacant. Underlings are being 'persuaded' to do them instead. After all, flexibility only goes so far.
When the 2004 deal was signed, it was marked by senior MEN managers enjoying celebratory drinks in a local pub. Now they have decided it was a huge mistake (i.e. too good for the chapel) and needs to be re-negotiated (HR-speak for tearing it up).
As one senior manager surveying the emptying newsroom on Friday remarked glumly: "Lions led by donkeys led by jumped-up ad reps".
The NUJ is currently in an adjourned chapel meeting, to be re-opened some time this week. Minds are focusing hard on what the future holds for the rest of the staff. And hearts are hardening.
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What's behind the threat to jobs at the MEN
Some thoughts on the issues involved |
