Journalists fight off derecognition

Strike action by members of the NUJ journalists' union won a significant victory at Greater Manchester Weekly Newspapers (North) - part of the Guardian media group - after the company derecognised the union.

TUC general secretary John Monks described it as a dispute of "national importance" and the attempt at derecognition as "an attack on the basic human rights of these hard working and low-paid employees."

Not only was recognition restored but the 29 strikers also gained substantial pay rises, with a new starting rate for trainees of £13,060 - a rise of 24.5%.