NUJ news of interest

Extracts from the NUJ Northern Soul newsletter:

A LOCAL SUMMIT FOR LOCAL PEOPLE…
This year’s Pay In The Media Summit has been split into four to try to provide more regionally focused debate about improving conditions in the industry.
In previous years the summits have provided an excellent opportunity for NUJ activists to share ideas and information and to build networks to support each other.
The summit for this region is on Saturday November 25 at The Mechanics Institute, 103 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD, from 10am to 1pm.
Why not volunteer to represent your branch or chapel? Expenses will be organised and lunch is provided.
For more information or to register email endlowpay@nuj.org.uk.

JUST SAY NO…
Newsquest journalists in Bolton and Blackburn have won pay rises of up to £1,000 per annum by standing firm against shift changes which resulted from the move to morning publication.
They constantly rejected management demands to change hours until a deal was done. In Blackburn mass grievances were used, in Bolton the chapel balloted for industrial action and threatened to work to their own rotas.
This demonstrates the fact that when the bosses want us to do something we are in a position of strength.
This applies particularly at the moment to the introduction of things like video journalism for newspaper websites.
Just say no collectively on the grounds that it is a fundamental change to your contract. And then negotiate improved terms and/or more people to do it.
The companies will say it isn’t a change - but the results in Bolton and Blackburn show that when people stick together we can win. It’s up to you.

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION…
We are running a course for union members called Organise for Recruitment in Manchester on November 18 and 19. It is free we will organise accommodation where necessary and cover travel expenses.
If you would like to book a place on the course either email deirdreh@nuj.org.uk or phone Deirdre on 020 7843 3730.
See the course outline and other free trade union training courses at www.nujtraining.org.uk.


Regional organiser Miles Barter also notes:
I’m leaving my job with the NUJ on January 1.
Thanks to everyone for their support in the last five and a half years. We’ve increased union membership in the region, won a host of new collective agreements, and made a noticeable difference to rates of pay. Everyone has helped - just paying subs makes it all possible.
I’m exhausted so it’s time to pass the baton on to someone else.
The job has already been advertised internally - in line with our agreed procedure - and will be advertised externally if that is not successful. So hopefully there will be someone in place when I leave.

Best wishes to Miles, and thanks for the help in re-establishing Calderdale NUJ.

November meeting

Our next branch meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 14 November, from 7.30pm in the White Lion, Hebden Bridge. More details nearer the time.