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A tale of two seminars . . . WORK IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC


By Neil Ward Before coronavirus changed everything this year, NUJ Dublin P&PR branch had planned some innovative activity for 2020, kicking off with two seminars under the banner ‘2020 VISION’. Simon Devilly presented ‘Decoding an Election’ in January, providing expert advice on how to cut through the political communication and white noise of a modern election. He provided guidance in campaign and election count coverage; we learned how the quota is derived, and how and when a candidate’s surplus is redistributed. That now seems like a different world. Many of us


are now afraid for the health and wellbeing of loved ones - and ourselves. Some may be grieving for those they have tragically lost. We offer our sincere condolences to those members. In March we were to host multi award-winning


photographer and videojournalist Bryan O’Brien, fresh from his third win at the UK Picture Editor’s Guild, to speak about the value of creativity and rethinking in visual journalism, and his use of Twitter and Instagram to promote and display photography and video. Unsurprisingly, given the demands of contemporary communication channels, this was fully subscribed.


But suddenly, events overtook us and we had to


cancel the event. Like our colleagues across the country and farther, we are now all stronger together by being apart. Despite the major problems we face in which members have suffered job losses, the branch remains confident that there are clear positives for the future. We can see a revival in the public appreciation of professional, verifiable and trustworthy journalism replacing the creep of ‘fake news’ and opinion on platforms that need radical realignment in a post-COVID-19 world. Reliable news has become paramount in this existential crisis. Public service looks like it’s making a comeback in the public’s affection too – and dare we say in times of such fear people come together. Trade unions will be essential actors in the economic debate and shaping the narrative of reconstruction. We need to organise. Branch meetings will now be held in cyberspace on


selected Tuesdays at 6.30pm; all members are welcome and will receive emailed invitations. Members wishing to virtually attend or propose issues to discuss, or to ensure we have your email address, should email nuj.dublin.ppr@gmail.com to give notice.


Neil Ward is chair of the Dublin P&PR branch. West of Ireland branch staying connected with members


By Siobhan Holliman As branches have gotten bigger, meetings have gotten smaller and less frequent. For those who have memories of smoke and people-filled rooms in Tuam and Castlebar where motions for strike were proposed as often as another round at the bar was called, the sparse attendance at branch meetings could be viewed with sadness. It might be sad but it’s a stark reality and reflects perhaps apathy among some members and the pressure-filled lives we lead. The West of Ireland branch is trying to stay connected with its members and to be relevant in this unprecedented crisis. A large proportion of our members work in local media as journalists, photographers and freelances. The events just before and after St Patrick’s Day instilled a real sense of shock and fear: Papers saw advertising bookings disappear, events cancelled and usual diary markings postponed. It was the same grim picture for local radio and colleagues in the West working for TG4, Raídió na Gaeltachta and RTÉ. Branch reps were quick to voice concerns with our


NUJ officials regarding the massive threat to the extremely fragile local media sector. Everyone was in agreement about the seriousness of the situation. A statement issued on March 20 by the Irish Secretary and joint Cathaoirligh Dara Bradley and Siobhán Holliman called on the government to examine “imaginative means” of supporting vulnerable sectors of the industry. Members are aware of the pressure on local media


and it is vital that we, as a branch in the West of Ireland, continue to highlight the importance of retaining local papers and radio. We have also appealed to staff members to keep freelance members in mind if any work arises. We continue to email our members asking them to


let us know of proposed cuts or changes to their workplace and we also try and offer information and support that might be useful. Honestly, members are slow to respond, which is a pity as it’s vital that the branch and NUJ officials are made aware of any proposed cutbacks. We will continue to highlight the need for additional supports. A video conference call took place between Siobhán and Dara and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Communications Deputy Jack Chambers who has raised our concerns with Minister Richard Bruton and continues to issue statements highlighting the crisis and need for definitive action. We have also shared information from ICTU


regarding the availability of free SOLAS courses which have been looked into by some members eager to upskill while out of work. Branch officers can’t meet as we had during these times of lockdown, but there have been plenty of message discussions and emails. Some of us are still trying to figure out new ways to communicate in groups and we’re optimistic about hosting a virtual branch get together over the coming weeks.


Siobhan Holliman, IEC joint cathaoirleach, is chair of the West of Ireland branch.


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