Informed 03


future of the BBC and Channel 4 to be jeopardised by those who believe it is the preserve of the markets to determine the health of a democracy. The victory of Chris Mullin and the NUJ highlighted in this edition is a striking example of trade union solidarity in action. We are proud of the courage and tenacity of Chris Mullin. The NUJ’s fingerprints can be found on a succession of legal challenges in defence of press freedom. I’m proud to work for a union which puts press freedom at the heart of its agenda. When news came through of the latest police action against Mullin, we were conscious of the huge financial burden which might arise from an unsuccessful outgoing at the Old Bailey. Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary, was doggedly determined, saying: “We will fight it all the way and members will support us.” As always, the NEC did not flinch. Meanwhile soaring inflation has


given an impetus to our campaign for pay increased right across the union. Many members who worked hard during the Covid 19 pandemic have been acknowledged for their vital role at a time of crisis, but you cannot take herograms to the bank or hand them to your landlord in lieu of rent. There is a word in the Irish language. A meitheal is the term used to describe the gathering of neighbours to help one another in the gathering of crops. That meitheal spirit informs all our work, locally, nationally and as part of the IFJ. Back to Orwell Road, Dublin, where that spirit shone bright with the arrival of NUJ veteran Charlie Bird and his wife Claire Mould. Charlie is living with the awful consequences of motor neurone disease (MND) but wanted to stand alongside NUJ colleagues with the people of Ukraine. On April 2, thousands of people throughout Ireland climbed stairs, hills and mountains as part of the Climb with Charlie initiative. A former branch officer Charlie and a legion of supporters climbed the historic Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo, a


Be Part of a Collective Voice


As a member of the NUJ you are part of a united force championing the rights of media workers and defending atacks on press freedom. Successful workplaces are those where the management and workers share the same aims and talk to each other. Being a member of the NUJ means giving yourself and colleagues a real voice at work.


Are you keeping good company? Join the NUJ today at


nuj.org.uk/join www.nuj.org.uk


remarkable achievement for someone faced with MND. At the time of going to press it looked likely €3m was close to being raised. But the initiative was about more than money. It was a striking example of the meitheal spirit by and with a journalist recognised


for his commitment to public service broadcasting. At the top of Croagh Patrick he lit a candle, including one for the people of Ukraine. Solidarity forever! Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary


REASONS TO JOIN


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