Staff at The Independent vote to strike over voluntary redundancies

The Independent announced plans last month to make 27 jobs redundant.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “Industrial action is a last resort and it's shameful that Independent management are unwilling to properly engage with their staff and are refusing sensible proposals that could easily avert a dispute.

“To refuse to extend the consultation process and refuse to conciliate at ACAS is unreasonable and unnecessary. Less machismo and more common sense would be a much more productive way forward.”

The union is calling for an extension on consultation and the implementation of a voluntary redundancy trawl.

“There's a lot of talk about the vision for the future,” Stanistreet added. “It's looking like one in which there simply isn't the resources to produce hard hitting quality journalism in print and online; where experience and commitment is disregarded; and where the workforce is paid bargain basement salaries and is fearful and compliant.

“This doesn't represent the founding principles of the Independent and it doesn't square with what readers expect of these titles.”

Following the redundancies, the title plans to create new jobs in its online team and at the company’s TV station, London Live.