Informed NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE issue 31 March 2020


other types of technology – and NUJ business is being carried out, and indeed is busier than ever.


Keep Safe!


As president of the NUJ, I hope you and your loved ones are keeping well in these difficult times and that you are doing all you can to keep safe. While the doors of our offices in London, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester are closed, the union is very much open and working hard to support you and to uphold quality journalism. Te union’s Emergency Commitee met this week (by conference call of course) and had no choice but to postpone Delegate Meeting which was due to take place next month. Tis has several consequences, one of which relating to DM being when terms of office – including mine as president – were due to come to an end. We decided in accordance with the NUJ Rule Book that for the time being all national officers, councils and commitees will remain in place until the end of the next DM, whenever that is. However, rest assured that the union’s democratic bodies are still meeting – by Microsoſt Teams and


Also in this issue:


Michelle’s Message Page 2


In this special edition of NUJ Informed, Seamus Dooley, Irish Secretary, outlines how the union quickly switched to home working, while still maintaining a major role on the national scenes in the UK and Ireland. Te coronavirus crisis quickly hit the pockets of many of our freelance members, and others fear for the future of their jobs. It has been heart-breaking to read some of the testimonies of members whose shiſts have been cancelled, with no more work in sight, while others fear for the future of the titles they write for. Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary,


explains on page 2 how the union has risen to meet these challenges, together with the broader trade union movement, to support all our members and argue for a proper financial package to see people through this emergency. Sadly, some of the usual suspects among our employers have been less generous in their response. Now is the time to show solidarity and support each other. Trustees of the union’s hardship charity NUJ Extra met this week. Tey have pledged to help those directly affected and who lose money as a result, as well as those who contract the disease or who have to self-quarantine because of it. Te charity will also consider applications from those who do not contract the disease but who lose significant income from the economic impact of Covid-19 and the response to it – a significant variation to the charity’s normal policy. So, if you are still in a job and feel secure in your employment, think about your less-fortunate colleagues and see if you can make a donation to NUJ Extra. It’s very easy, you can do so online on the


#WFH Homeworking Page 8


NUJ website. Or perhaps your branch or workplace can think of ways to raise money. If you go on to the website www.nuj.


org.uk you will find our green Covid-19 buton, where you can find a huge fund of advice, guidance and suggestions of where you can find financial assistance. Te page is regularly updated as the situation changes.


One aspect of this crisis has been to highlight why quality journalism is vital and the huge role that our public service broadcasters and local press are playing in providing information and working with volunteers to make sure the vulnerable receive help. Ensuring public service broadcasters were categorised as key workers was one important win for us last week.


NUJ members are resourceful and adaptable and will endeavour to be out there telling the story. But I just urge you all to take great care if you are working outside of your home – make sure you have the correct protections and don’t accept risk in this critical period. As we all get to grips with new ways


of working – I’ve been on four different video and five different conference calling systems in the past fortnight – we are bound to find the world of work changed aſter this pandemic. Among the difficulties, stresses and sorrow of this challenging period, there will be new or stronger connections and different ways of working which emerge and we will find strength within ourselves and among each other. So take care, look aſter each other and offer solidarity where you can. I send you mine.


Virus Treat Page 10


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