Tomorrow, journalists at the Express Newspapers in London and Preston are going on the first full-day strike on a national newspaper for 18 years, due to the union rejecting a pay offer of 3% and a failure to reach an agreement. This will be the first of three planned one-day walk-outs.

An email was sent to Express' editorial staff stating that Express would like to give a pay rise to their journalists, but cannot "insulate [their] staff from the effects of the wider economy."

Daily Express Editor Peter Hill and Daily Star Editor Dawn Neeson have urged their staff not to strike, but are still taking steps "to ensure the Daily Express comes out on time."

NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear, said: "Our members are standing firm in their resolve to fight for a fair deal....These papers, now more than ever, need properly resourced journalism, yet all the company has to offer is cutbacks and miserly pay. Over the last few weeks it has become increasingly apparent that the Express and Star don't value their journalists. Our members have made it very clear that they will make a stand to ensure they get the recognition they deserve."

Express Newspaper comprises of the Daily Express, Sunday Express, Daily Star and Daily Star Sunday.

Source: Press Gazette