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Artificial intelligence


Delegates heard from Tim Dawson, NEC member, on the importance of ensuring the deployment of AI within workplaces remains central to the union’s bargaining and representation of members. Conference agreed to the


creation of a training package for full time and lay officials on AI and for the union to continue its engagement with the TUC’s AI Working Group. Contributions in the debate also recognised the importance of journalism by humans, as AI’s potential impact on jobs and workloads, as well as in undermining editorial integrity were considered.


undertaken by the Black Members’ and Equality Councils.


Ireland


A motion carried by DM and tabled by the Irish Executive Council, raised concerns about the tendency of police services across Ireland to view the work of photographers and videographers as alternative sources of evidence gathering. Delegates also called on the Irish government to engage with the UK authorities to take effective actions to investigate the murder of esteemed Belfast and District Branch member Martin O’Hagan killed in 2001. On public


service broadcasting, Fran McNulty, NUJ joint president, said regarding RTÉ, “on the funding crisis around the outdated licence fee model, government asked for a solution to the problem, was told what it was and ignored it.” DM agreed to accelerate campaigning for long-term reform of funding of the broadcaster.


Government policies Delegates heard of the historic opportunity presented by the Employment Rights Bill to bolster workers’ rights. Conference unanimously carried motions urging the union to press for legislation on the right to switch off, and the prompt implementation of the bill. DM also called for accelerated campaigning for sustainable funding of public broadcasters and public interest journalism. It was great to hear from Kate Bell, TUC assistant general secretary, who called for greater investment in public interest journalism and stable funding for the BBC. She recognised the importance of journalists and the NUJ within the trade union movement.


Media freedom DM delegates


condemned the use of anti- terror legislation, SLAPPs, and funding cuts to silence journalists. DM carried motions calling on the NUJ to champion new models of public ownership, noting the dismantling of digital and local titles. Tere was also agreement on the need for continued support


for the Welsh Executive Council and its campaign to improve public interest journalism in Wales. On


Strategic Lawsuits Against Public


Participation (SLAPPs), DM urged the union to continue its calls for action tackling the issue in the UK and Ireland.


Freelance Tere were lively debates on the existential threat posed by tech giants’ cavalier atitude to intellectual property law. Sian Harrison, representing the PR and Communications Industrial Council, said these companies had “taken Te Washington Post slogan that ‘democracy dies in darkness’ as an instruction rather than a warning.” Members backed motions by the Photographers’ and Freelance Industrial Councils urging the union to develop resources to support members pursuing copyright infringements and intensify its campaigns to improve freelance conditions.


Health and safety Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, placed the onus on social media platforms to take responsibility for the incitement their


platforms propagate. Brian Pelan from Belfast


and District Branch noted an


alarming increase in physical atacks against colleagues by far-right groups, while Kity Holland from Dublin branch said that women journalists were disproportionately targeted with intimidation and violence.


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