The motion on Wednesday and Thursday is in protest towards the deliberate sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, a start-up based 5 years in the past by former Occasions editor James Harding.
The union stated the strike coincides with The Observer marking 233 years because it first started publication in 1791.
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“I think that The Observer is well placed in its current relationship as part of the Guardian group.”
NUJ common secretary-elect Laura Davison stated: “Guardian and Observer members have the full backing of the NUJ as they undertake this significant industrial action – the first for over 50 years.
“The huge vote to take this step reveals journalists’ need to publicly spotlight to readers and people in cost their collective issues about the way forward for the title.
Forward of the strike, wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham issued a video of help on his social media, saying: “I don’t think we should put a price on the truth. It’s hard to find these days.
“However we do discover it in The Observer and The Guardian.”
When the strike was first announced, a Guardian spokesperson said they recognised the “power of feeling” about the proposals, but added: “Whereas we respect the proper to strike, we don’t imagine a strike is the perfect plan of action on this case and our talks with the NUJ proceed.
“Our priority is to serve our readers and support our staff, so that The Guardian and The Observer can continue to promote liberal journalism and thrive in a challenging media environment.”
