02 Informed


Michelle’s Message


significant chunk of that pressure has come from the trade union movement – notable when the UK Chancellor paid tribute to the TUC and the CBI in the same breath, during his announcement of the financial package of support for workers and companies. But a massive omission was for the


Speaking with many NUJ members this week, there was a common sentiment expressed about the rapid escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic


We were suddenly faced with the challenge of having to adapt swiſtly to a new normal, one that has thrown our work and personal lives into a swirling vortex and imposed constraints that we’ve never experienced before. At the same time, as if the last few


years of politics haven’t been enough of a rollercoaster ride, we’re now witnessing – and bearing witness to as journalists – an unparalleled intervention of the state in our lives, hearing the language of collectivism, compassion and solidarity from the most unusual of quarters. Of course the reality is that the


conversion to socialist principles is a skin-deep and slow reaction to the changing world around us, and in response to enormous pressure for our government to act more decisively. A


millions of freelance, self-employed and workers in the gig economy whose already precarious livelihoods have been plunged into crisis. That’s when the NUJ, with the TUC and sister unions, swung into action. It was unthinkable that the government was not going to come to the aid of 5m self-employed workers, including many in the media, just because it was difficult. This crisis has put the precarious lives of so many working people into sharp focus and responses to our freelance office have shown the stark reality of members whose work dried up virtually overnight. I joined a meeting with fellow trade unions and treasury officials to thrash out the issues. We need to look at the package in detail and will continue our conversations with government, but the obvious problem is that money is unlikely to be released into people’s back accounts until June. Of course the industry has also been lobbying and demanding state intervention to support newspapers and journalism – purporting to be the “fourth emergency service” in meetings with ministers, then turning around and closing free titles, laying off reporters and – in the case of Newsquest – cutting wages of staff they are not putting on furlough. The cynical opportunistic actions of companies who have disgraceful form for “never wasting a crisis.” Our lobbying intervention when the


lockdowns commenced meant we were able to demonstrate how journalists must be regarded as vital keyworkers, ensuring those members that need it (in the UK) would have the consequential access to ongoing childcare provision. We’ve also been liaising with the National Police Chiefs Council to


ensure that those journalists – staff and freelance – who are doing vital public interest journalism documenting the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, are able to go about their work without interference or misunderstandings with local police. Of course, we’re also reminding all NUJ members that this only applies to journalists carrying out this work – a press card is not a passport out of self- isolation and we’re also obliged to look after our own safety and that of others in the coming weeks.


“We are here to help and support you.”


As Sian Jones, our president, reminds us – the NUJ might be doing its work differently, as we adjust to remote working, but our support and presence is as real and personal as ever. The priority of our staff and officials is to help our members through this difficult period. Our charity NUJ Extra – which I’m proud to be a trustee of – has swung into action and will do all it can to offer practical support to those who need it most, while continuing to support our existing beneficiaries.


Our schedule of reps’ training had


to be cancelled but the good news is that we are working with our trainer Caroline Holmes as we speak to ensure we continue to support reps with reconfigured online courses, and some new bespoke packages – including a focus on mental health which we’ll launch in April, to help us through this period of remote working. With the NUJ on your side we want to make sure this period of necessary isolation is a physical one, not a social one, and your NUJ family – your chapel, branch, colleagues on industrial councils and union committees, and all of us who work for the union, are here to help and support you. Take extra care of yourself and your


loved ones in the coming days and weeks and know that the NUJ continues to have your back.


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