Defending journalism and jobs

Earlier this week, we saw NUJ members take industrial action (January 7^th).

In snowy Aberdeen, and in Glasgow too, picket lines were in place in opposition to compulsory redundancies and the ending of news services in the north of Scotland. Standing out in the cold caught the attention of politicians from a range of parties. 

What is clear is that STV management appears to have lost the trust of the workforce. It does not feel like a happy new year for those dependent on quality regional journalism at a time of growing misinformation.

The journalists’ union members were amongst the first workers to take strike action this year: they are unlikely to be the last. There are many disputes focussed on jobs, conditions and wages. The NUJ dispute is about the immediate interests of members -but it is also about determining the future of the service and relationships with the public. 

In the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections in May there will be a range of workplace tensions that will be of concern to those directly employed. But this also means that, in the next few months, unions will have enhanced opportunities to make connections with communities and politicians to illustrate the societal importance of their campaigns and the validity of their concerns and hopes.

Democratic Left Scotland has been sharing information on the work of the NUJ in relation to the STV dispute for some time now – and we will continue our engagement with this issue and with other trade unions. We welcome any information about your workplace or union that you want to share.

Published 9 January 2026