viewpoint Kevin Palmer is keen for members to help overhaul the union


After 45 years, can we declutter the NUJ?


G


rassroots members should be getting a say in how the NUJ is organised. This is thanks to a motion


passed at April’s Delegate Meeting (DM), which agreed to a review of the union’s structure based on a clean sheet. Our structure dates back to 1975,


when the industry/profession was very different. Industrial councils were created (although one, for provincial newspapers, which represented many members, has merged with that for national newspapers). There have been many changes to the media world since, including some disillusion after the provincial papers’ dispute in the winter of discontent – although I wonder how poorly paid journalists would have been without the seven-week strike – and the legislation restricting unions that followed. Newspapers and groups merged or


were taken over. The closure of newspapers or town centre offices meant reporters had to work from home and meet contacts in libraries, while employers, putting bean counters ahead of products, slashed jobs. This has bled newsrooms of talent and experience, forcing people to move or quit the industry altogether. Technology has created media and


jobs but there has not been the traditional union base to organise and recruit members. Since the last reorganisation, bodies


have been created and bolted on to a democratic but sometimes complicated structure. The Derby and Burton branch of which I am chair and others query whether we should rely on a structure based on situations nearly 45 years ago. I am not saying the present structure is woefully wrong – but is it right for


dealing with issues that the industry and its members face now? Take DM for instance. We reduced its frequency from annually to every two years, mainly to save money. We now have reports stretching back 24 months. Then, after two hours or more, the president asks members to approve section X of a 175-page report leaving some members, particularly first-time delegates, confused.


Some motions are pushed by activists “ 8 For all the latest news from the NUJ go to www.nuj.org.uk ” theJournalist | 9


I am not saying the present structure is woefully wrong – but is it right for dealing with issues that the industry and its members face now?


with their own agendas. While the moral principal may be worthy, why wait six months to discuss a situation only to refer it to the International Federation of Journalists? Most members want to discuss issues affecting us daily – the state of the media, wages and working conditions, pensions, training, ethics, press freedom and even subscriptions. Do we need so many bodies? Someone asked me at DM:“Why do we have four equality bodies?” There is the original equality council, the black members’ council, the disabled members’ council, and the over 60s’ council. Could one suffice? Branches are the lifeblood of the union. But sometimes we don’t get a quorum and even bigger branches have problems. When I joined in the 1970s, branch meetings were a must-do every month for younger members – branch business, learning from older colleagues and socialising. Yet branches have merged or just died. Do they or their


responsibilities need to change? The NUJ is necessary for a


healthy profession, press freedom and to protect


workers’ rights. But it must be fit for purpose – efficient, relevant and able to act quickly and be value for money. I don’t have the answers. But we need a full review for the union to run well, attract, retain and inspire new members and, in turn, work for them. Let’s use our skills, resources and


contacts with other unions to learn best practice. I hope branches and members will be consulted and urged to give positive views, so a blueprint can be presented to delegates in 2020. People should contact head office or


development committee chair Natasha Hirst with ideas (info@nuj.org.uk). I am decluttering my office. I hope the NUJ can do the same for its future.


Kevin Palmer is a member of Derby and Burton branch


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28