Informed NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE issue 28 July 2019


VICE UK wins union recognition at last


the recent national executive council meeting, exemplifying some of the great strides made in recruitment, and underlining how important shoring up the union’s future is to journalists now and in the future. Te meeting discussed reports from treasurer, John Barsby, and a paper writen by NEC members and finance commitee officers Chris Frost and Tim Dawson, focusing on the fallout from the failure to secure agreement for a subs rise at the last Delegate Meeting (DM), which has resulted in an estimated £2m loss in revenue.


Te paper sets out the imperative VICE members say they hope their success inspires others


Don’t be fooled by these adorable smiles. Tese are faces of steely – if extremely sweet – determination and resolve #UnionStrong Tat was the tweet from @ VICEUKUNION to promote its bid for union recognition. By posing in their T-shirts, giving out leaflets and tweeting like mad, the mainly young reporters were enthusiastic spreaders of the NUJ’s message to fellow staff and management. It was a great campaign and it paid off. On Tursday 25 July, the union was able to release the news that the NUJ had achieved recognition at VICE UK. Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary, said she was delighted: “Te energy and enthusiasm our reps and members at


Also in this issue:


Michelle’s Message Page 2


the VICE UK chapel have brought to their organising drive has been hugely impressive. Teir commitment to delivering a collective voice at work is inspiring and to be congratulated.” Te VICE UK NUJ chapel said: “Aſter


four months of negotiations, the VICE UK NUJ chapel is proud to have achieved voluntary recognition. Tis result would not have been possible without the sustained and energetic campaigning of our chapel.” Tey thanked Michelle Stanistreet and officials Laura Davison and Andy Smith for their help during negotiations and said they hoped other new media organisations would be inspired by their success and seek union recognition. Te VICE story was celebrated at


NUJ Wins Page 5


for a significant subs increase. It charts trends showing losses in traditional areas such as local newspapers and gains made in broadcasting, the freelance sector and new media, and updates on the latest pressure from serving the union’s pension fund. Te report outlined how, without increased income, staff cuts or closure of union offices will become necessary. Designed as a discussion paper to be considered around branches, prior to the NEC considering motions for next year’s DM in the autumn, the report also recommends membership rule changes to become more part-time-worker friendly; and a new approach to improve student retention. Michelle Stanistreet said it was vital the NUJ continued to provide its unique service to members. July’s issue of NUJ Informed is a testimony to the huge range of work carried out by the union – a union that punches well above its weight in terms of its influence on the national and international stage. It has won almost £3million for BBC members taking out equal pay claims and significant sums elsewhere on late payments, holiday pay and compensation – and that’s on top of negotiating collective pay deals.


Global Media Page 10


Alfie Sylvest


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