Murdoch seems near victory

Press, 5 March 1982, Page 6

Murdoch seems near victory

NZPA London Rupert Murdoch appeared close to victory yesterday in his fight for huge economies at “The Times" and the “Sunday Times." He has had to compromise on his demand for 600 layoffs but looks like achieving more than 400, at a saving of about $l2 million a year) the “Daily Mail” reports. > Final agreement could be reached within 36 hours, and that would clear the way for Times Newspapers to announce early next week that the two titles were still definitely in business, it said. The' breakthrough came when the company told leaders of the National Society of Operative Printers and Media Personnel, which is bearing the brunt of the economies, that lay-offs among its members could be cut from 390 to 225.

The union executive gave its general secretary (Mr Owen O'Brien) power to take charge of negotiations in the event of any breakdown in talks with the militant local officials, who have been the main obstacle to agreement. Mr O'Brien was optimistic enough yesterday to forecast a “satisfactory solution” by

the week-end.

If he does decide to step in the man most affected will be Barry Fitzpatrick, the leader of the Sunday Times, clerical staff. He is. the most vociferous anti-Murdoch voice at the two newspapers and would be effectively frozen out of his main role in the talks.

Last week, after a meeting of clerical staff, several workers accused him of “intimidation” and said they had been warned that they would, lose union cards if they accepted voluntary lay- • off.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the arguments had been about principle and could not be classed as intimidation. Meanwhile, it was announced that a consortium had been formed to ensure the survival of "The Times” if Mr Murdoch closed it. Members include the broadcasters, David Dimbleby and Peter Jay, and a former union chief, Jack Jones.

Mr Dimbleby said: “Were ‘The Times’ to collapse next week we would step straight in. If Mr Murdoch’s plan succeeds, that’s fine, but this crisis may well not be the last.”