The New Straits Times Press (NSTP) should ensure that any voluntary separation scheme (VSS) offered to its retrenched staff is fair and equitable, said the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

As it stands, the reported offer of 1.1 to 1.7 months payout for each year of service is only slightly higher than the quantum determined in the collective agreement reached with the NSTP management, NUJ secretary-general Hong Boon How said.

"The company should give a slightly better offer, if that is possible. Nowadays, with the higher cost of things as vegetables and fuel, such an offer would make it difficult for people who have accepted the VSS offer to make ends meet," he said when contacted.

He added that the VSS offer should also be in tandem with maintaining 'harmony' within the media industry.

Hong stressed, however, that his call was premised on the assumption that the NSTP-owned Malay Mail would, in fact, be downsized as part of a revamping exercise later in the year.

"So far, we have not received any statement from either NSTP group officials or from the management of the Malay Mail," he said.

Unofficial information

Hong also said the "unofficial information" he received of the retrenchment exercise is that those who have not opted to accept the VSS would be transferred to the New Straits Times (NST), which is also under the NSTP group.
It is part of plans to turn the Malay Mail into an entertainment and sports newspaper, he added.

The Star, quoting unnamed sources, reported today that the Malay Mail is one of four NSTP newspapers, to be downsized and revamped.

Only journalists and staff of the Malay Mail, who would be reduced in the exercise by 50% - 60% of its current manpower, were briefed yesterday, said the report.