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Delegates urged sustained support with the wider trade union movement in mobilising against the far-right.


Equality Conference expressed solidarity with Black, disabled, and trans members during debates on equalities. Delegates also carried a Black Members’ Council motion on ‘race science’ and the need to strengthen the union’s anti-racist campaigning. Speaking on behalf of the BMC, Saadeya Shamsuddin described eugenics as “racism disguised as science […] used to legitimise the colonisation and oppression of Black people.” Tere was also support for motions


by the Disabled Members’ Council to campaign for the enforcement of the right to reasonable adjustments, and accurate reporting on disability. A late notice motion responded to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on legal definitions of sex and woman in the Equality Act 2010. Te NUJ’s guidelines on LGBT+ reporting to reflect the most up-to-date guidance issued by LGBT+ organisations and community groups will be updated. Tis year’s DM was the final one


as president for Natasha Hirst. She urged delegates “to be excellent to each other” and reflected on the huge amount of work carried out by the union. Fran McNulty and Gerry Curran are the union’s joint co- presidents for the next cycle. Te NEC agreed to review the feasibility of livestreaming future Delegate Meetings.


Jim Symons and Eamonn McCann receive the prestigious award


Jim and Eamonn were awarded NUJ Members of Honour for their immense contributions to journalism and the trade union movement.


Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant


general secretary, said that Jim richly deserved the union’s most prestigious award. He praised Jim’s dedication to the NUJ, noting his service as vice-chair of the Disabled Members’ Council and as a delegate to the Scotish Trade Union Council, among numerous other roles. Fellow Dundee branch member Jimmy Black described Jim as “indefatigable, passionate, and forceful.” Black credited him with keeping the Dundee branch going for 14 years, noting his powerful speeches on the massacre of journalists in Palestine as well as his leadership in organising the Dundee vigil for Belfast and District branch member Lyra McKee. Jim’s colleague Conrad Landin described him as a “legend of the NUJ” and “exemplary trade unionist.” Jim said he was “honoured” to receive the award. In the second presentation, Eamonn McCann was celebrated as the “voice and soul of Derry” for his tireless campaigning for press freedom, freelances’ rights, and workers’ rights.


“Eamonn McCann is one of the all- time Irish journalistic greats,” said Niall Stokes, editor of Hot Press, the music and politics magazine for whom McCann worked for over 20 years. Stokes described Eamonn’s articles as “brilliantly writen” and “oſten very funny.” Fellow Derry & North West


branch member Darach MacDonald similarly praised Eamonn’s writing and “feet on streets” approach, while Kathryn Johnston, NEC member, commended Eamonn’s coverage of Bloody Sunday and women’s struggles. In a video message recorded


for the ceremony, Irish president Michael D Higgins celebrated Eamonn’s “fearless journalism”, “principled activism”, “authentic solidarity”, and “unyielding commitment to truth, to justice.” Higgins also paid tribute to the NUJ and its members for “upholding the finest traditions of journalism and trade unionism.”


DM 2025


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