Journalists in West Yorkshire have shared a message of solidarity as NUJ members at STV stage a one-day walkout.
Despite freezing conditions, staff at the Scottish broadcaster are staging pickets in Glasgow and Aberdeen today.
NUJ members at STV voted overwhelmingly for strike action over compulsory redundancies and the broadcaster’s plans to scrap the north edition of its News at 6 programme.
Sending best wishes to all those taking part in the strike, NUJ Leeds & West Yorkshire Branch said: “We commend members at STV for the action they are taking in defence of jobs and regional programming.
“Proposals to cut back on regional editions and updates will mean a poorer service for audiences, who rightly share the anger of journalists whose jobs are on the line.
“The plans have also been met with opposition from all five party leaders in Scotland, who recognise the vital role played by regional programming in supporting local democracy and holding power to account.
“It is shameful the company is pushing ahead with significant redundancies while Ofcom is still consulting on the proposal and that its new commercial radio station has been launched at the expense of journalists’ jobs and local journalism.
“We urge STV to listen to the concerns of the public and their own staff, to suspend its redundancy programme and enter into fresh talks with the NUJ.”
The branch has also pledged to donate £100 to the NUJ Hardship Fund, which provides support for members who suffer loss of earnings.