Informed NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE issue 50 April 2025 Delegate Meeting 2025


As we approach next month’s DM, a review of the agenda provides insight into the breadth of motions submited by branches, councils and commitees. On issues related to safety, the NUJ’s Journalists’ Safety Tracker is referenced. If you have not taken a moment to review the resource, do so now ahead of DM so you’re up to speed on its functionality. In recent months, the union has published statements condemning the apparent misuse of terrorism legislation against journalists, highlighting implications for source protection when journalists’ equipment is seized and passwords are sought. Within motions are calls on the issue and for continued campaigning too, on legal frameworks that ensure sufficient safeguards to protect journalists from the implications of those who wrongly abuse our courts to prevent public interest journalism. As always, the agenda includes motions on Equality, this year with reference to union activity supporting disabled members. Whilst the NUJ’s campaigning on health and safety continues year- round, delegates will hear debates on related issues including on health and safety reps training. Te NUJ’s calls on artificial intelligence has raised member concerns on copyright infringements and the need for government action. It is unsurprising considering the fast-paced and wide-ranging nature of developments, that motions on AI feature in the agenda. Te report to DM covering the period 2023-2025 published on the NUJ website, reminds us of the scale of work undertaken by the union on behalf of members. Publication of the News


Also in this issue:


Live from Laura Page 02


Organising defending winning


Recovery Plan last year has since been endorsed by the NUJ Parliamentary Group, recognising its calls as crucial to the sustainability of journalism. Industrially, the union has stood full square behind members heading to pickets including at the BBC, Springer Nature, STV and Guardian & Observer. As we look ahead, building an even stronger reps base within the union is important. On 30 April, Caroline Holmes, NUJ trainer, will host a two-hour workshop for all reps, whether new or established, to learn more about the NUJ’s members, democracy, chapels and branches. Find out more about the event and join the session, created to encourage exploration of ideas in an inclusive and supportive environment. Next year marks 100 years since the


founding of the International Federation of Journalists and in May 2026, the centenary will be marked in Paris. As an affiliate to the IFJ, the NUJ’s solidarity to sister unions globally on issues spanning safety to workplace policies continues. Te imprisonment of journalists and


Journalism’s Outlook Page 08


targeting of our colleagues is also raised in motions to next month’s DM. Te theme for this year’s conference


is Organising, Defending, Winning. Since last DM, much has been achieved for our members including new recognition agreements in the face of opposition from employers, as was the case at PA Media. In December, following almost a year of discussion with the Health Service Journal, the NUJ achieved recognition at the company. David Ayrton, NUJ senior organiser, said he looked forward to “a meaningful and constructive relationship with the relative new owners of the HSJ.” Organising efforts continue across


workplaces including at RELX, the Wall Street Journal, Cell Press and Te Lancet.


On 28 April, a day aſter this year’s DM


draws to a close, Ireland’s Union Week commences. Te Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is urging all unions to campaign in advance of the week; the NUJ will raise awareness about the benefits journalists gain by being in our union.


IFJ Killed Report Page 12


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12