STV journalists' strike action

Early day motion 606, tabled 15 April 2024 by Owen Thompson (Scottish National Party). Signed by 8 members.

That this House supports the decision by members of the Scottish Television (STV) workforce to initiate strike action on Thursday 28 March 2024 following an overwhelming mandate from a ballot in favour of industrial action due to the breakdown in pay negotiations at the broadcaster; acknowledges that this marks the start of a series of disruptions to STV's flagship news programming throughout the spring and summer seasons; recognises that the strike will result in the depletion of newsroom resources in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness; further recognises that the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is advocating for a six per cent pay rise for its members to counter the effects of inflation amidst a record cost-of-living crisis experienced last year; observes that STV has only offered this increase to the bottom three per cent of earners, citing financial constraints despite recording profits exceeding £20 million on record revenues in the previous fiscal year; further supports the sentiment expressed by Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland National Organiser, who highlighted that STV journalists are not merely reporting on the cost-of-living crisis but are actively experiencing its ramifications and emphasises that these journalists, who contribute to STV's acclaimed journalism, are simply seeking a wage increase commensurate with inflation; urges Simon Pitts, Chief Executive of STV, and the STV Board to engage constructively with union representatives and reconsider their position recognising the reasonable demands of the workforce; and calls for a fair, equitable resolution to the dispute that respects the contributions of STV journalists.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 7, DUP 1.