The Southland Times was hit by strike action yesterday, with the majority of editorial department staff picketing over wage claims.
More than 30 editorial staff brandishing placards were joined by other union organisations in protest outside the Esk St-based office in Invercargill yesterday afternoon.
Southland Times Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union delegate Evan Harding said the staff made a decision on Wednesday to strike following faltering talks between the union and the Australian-owned media company Fairfax.
"We just want a fair deal," he said.
The company's refusal to offer a wage increase, coupled with the "obscene" $5 million payout given to former chief executive David Kirk prompted the need for action, Mr Harding said.
"While workers at the coal face, those who put out the paper, are offered nothing."
