Informed 03


majority demonstrates that few who looked seriously at the union’s financial position were leſt in any doubt that it was necessary. More importantly, it was a conference where the vital need for an independent vibrant NUJ was made clear – the countless achievements and victories secured by the union for its members is proof indeed. As DM closed, it was heartening to


receive countless texts and notes of appreciation – with unanimity about the brilliant job done by our out-going president Sian Jones in steering us through a unique conference with skill, humour and empathy. Tis edition of Informed outlines many of the important decisions delegates made in two days of sessions that covered scores of motions and issues. It’s testament to all present that the vast majority of debates were conducted with co-operative comradeliness and the certain knowledge that that far more unites than divides us. Tis maters because of the kind of union we are. Back in 1906, when the contingent of journalists from Manchester threw in its lot with a like- minded group from Leeds, they wanted a union that was democratic. Distrustful of those not rooted in newsroom realities, they wished into being a collective where important decisions were in the hands of members and whose leadership would always have to demonstrate its responsiveness to journalists’ needs. Tat’s the spirit which has run through our union ever since. For all their foresightedness, what those pioneers could not anticipate was the exercise and preservation of union democracy from our kitchens, bedrooms and conservatories. Te triumph of our two days of adopting reports and debating motions was that it was true to our forebears’ vision, even if the vagaries of ‘unmuting’ would have perplexed those trailblazing activists even more than they did us all last week. How soon pandemic fears will be completely behind remains unclear.


Sian Jones’ adieu


I’ve had quite an unusual tenure as president. When I stood for election for vice-president I was on maternity leave and I had concerns about how much of a juggle that would be. Litle did I know what was in store in the next few years, with my career taking me to work in Westminster, out again, and then the coronavirus pandemic. I should have handed the baton over more than a year ago, but coronavirus had other plans and we have all had to adapt greatly in the past 14 months. I’m so proud of the work the NUJ does every day for our members – and the NUJ has stepped up during the pandemic to give truly outstanding representation to journalists and media workers across the UK, Ireland and beyond. Our News Recovery Plan became the blueprint for our work – campaigning, negotiating and lobbying for rights and protections for media workers. Michelle has probably sat in more meetings with government ministers in the past year than any general secretary over our entire history! As I sign off as president, I wish the incoming president, Pierre Vicary, the very best. Pierre is a brilliant comrade


But for all that we have lost during the pandemic – and for many, the cost has been terrible – we have learned some valuable lessons. Even if in the future we only hold a few of our meetings via video conferencing, it will deliver significant savings – financial, environmental and in time. This past year has propelled important digital engagement and inclusion. Some meetings can be significantly more inclusive and immediately responsive to industrial issues if they are held


who will be excellent. And I’m delighted that our incoming vice-president is Natasha Hirst, someone who shows such brilliant leadership, strength and empathy. It’s nice to know it won’t be too long before there are two women in the top jobs again. I’d like to thank my parents and my


partner, Tony, who have given me so much support over the past five years. And to Callum and Ellyn – mummy should be on the computer a litle less now. But most of all I thank – and blame – Michelle Stanistreet, our general secretary, for encouraging and supporting me. Michelle inspires, motivates and liſts this union and I’m truly thankful to have worked alongside her in the limited role I have been able to play.


over digital platforms. We’ve learnt on the job the upsides and downsides of remote working. The NUJ will need to be responsive to these different needs and use all opportunities to further widen our activist base in the months ahead. A revived NUJ and a resurgent trade union movement is our chance to navigate inevitable changes ahead with workers’ needs as a central priority, not an afterthought. For the first time in a while we have the chance to make our own weather.


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