Informed NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE issue 36 DM 2021


place climate emergency policies, anti-racism action, called for political lobbying and opted for a range of strategies and resources to give reps the tools to fight discrimination, challenge stressful workplaces and support freelance members. Michelle Stanistreet, who started her


DM offers boost to union’s future


As Delegate Meeting voted by 82 per cent to increase the union’s subscriptions, the NUJ’s leaders heaved a sigh of relief. Chris Frost had moved an NEC motion changing the subs’ structure, saying that without the increase the union would have to make huge cuts or merge with another union. Tere had been no union fee rise for the previous seven years and he said the NEC’s proposals were designed to protect lower-paid NUJ members. (Details of the increase, page 6.) DM2021 was a virtual conference, with


all debates carried out on Zoom and a voting app which greatly speeded up the count and brooked no arguments. Te pandemic had postponed the planned meeting in Southport last April, and with atendees living with ongoing and varying restrictions across Ireland, the UK and continental Europe, meeting virtually was a necessity.


Also in this issue:


Michelle’s Message Page 2


Te full final agenda from last year


was added to with a raſt of late-notice motions. Under Standing Order 3, less controversial proposals and motions reflecting work already being carried out by the union were adopted formally by delegates into the union’s programme of work for the next two-year cycle. It was a great success, with few technical


glitches, 50 branches represented, 252 people present and 153 voting delegates determining union policy. Praise was heaped on Sian Jones, the out-going president, for the calm and good-humoured way she chaired conference despite the new challenges it posed. At the closing stage, she passed on her baton to BBC journalist, Pierre Vicary, the new president. He will be aided by Natasha Hirst, voted in as vice-president (see page 8). Delegates voted on pay campaigns, set up equality and reps’ summits, put in


Motions Round-up Page 7


third term as general secretary aſter being re-elected unopposed earlier in May, praised the collective efforts of dedicated staff, officials, chapel reps, branch officers and activists who had all, despite the Covid-19 crisis, delivered “extensive and unparalleled” industrial engagement and activity. “At a time when members have needed the NUJ more than ever, I am proud that our union has risen to that challenge,” she said. “Our collective work makes clear our industry deserves a union providing a voice to journalists and on journalism. For that we need an independent, campaigning union properly resourced, accessible and engaged officials, and the highest possible services provided to members.” By virtue of being virtual, it was possible


to make DM events, training sessions and branch fringes open to all members. Te 5PM Talk-ins, four debates with expert panels, discussed the NUJ’s News Recovery Plan, international press freedom, threats to our right to know and the future of public service broadcasting (see page 10). Another innovation was a video of tributes from friends and colleagues to the NUJ’s new Members of Honour – Gary Younge, Aidan White and Mary Curtin. Conference also watched a moving film of recipients of the union’s welfare charity, NUJ Extra. Tere was also fun. Friday night was social night with comedian Mark Tomas and friends, plus our very own NUJ Gogglebox (see page 4).


Members of Honour Page 9


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