Branch June 2025


I hope those of you able to join us in Blackpool for this year’s Delegate Meeting enjoyed the camaraderie and atmosphere as debates took place on issues that will shape our union over the next two years and beyond.


reporting directly, it is the journalism from our colleagues on the frontlines that keeps the world informed. One key, swiſt action you can take to support them is to donate to the IFJ’s Safety Fund and add the suggestion to your next branch meeting agenda. An overview of DM activity is on pages 2-4, and you can read about the NUJ’s recent union-wide recruitment and organising session on page six. I was pleased to join the Black Members’ Council General Meeting in May where there was thoughtful and interesting discussion on motions and planned activity. Whilst it was a full team effort


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preparing for this year’s successful DM, there was no shortage of industrial work underway. In April, I was shocked at the unscrupulous tactics deployed by News Corp-owned Dow Jones, publishers of the respected Wall Street Journal. I had hoped to relay to you in my update this month, that the union was progressing a recognition agreement with News Corp. Instead, following months of organising and recruitment and constructive engagement with Dow Jones in voluntary talks, the company employed what can only be described as disgraceful union-busting to deliberately derail developments and prevent a statutory recognition bid by the NUJ. Journalists received an email merely minutes aſter we were informed News Union would represent individuals. You’ll


ith continued horrendous news from Gaza and foreign media blocked from


be alarmed to hear that News Union holds no certificate of independence and receives 96% of its funding from News Corp itself. Members are angry at this move and rightly so. We have launched our campaign and are engaging with the NUJ Parliamentary Group, calling for legislation expected under the Employment Rights Bill to be brought forward to tackle this issue.


Aid for Gaza


Journalists in Gaza need your help to do their job in desperate circumstances. Te IFJ is supplying vital equipment and aid. Please donate to its safety fund. Branches can email jackiec@nuj.org to transfer from their


management allowances. DONATE NOW


Our campaigning has swung into action too, for members at PA Media who face up to 25 posts within the content team across the UK being cut. It was only last year that the NUJ achieved historic union recognition at the company, leading to hard won, negotiated, improved terms for members. News of the proposed redundancies has shocked and angered members, and it is clear the impact of changes including to reduce the UK parliamentary team and merge those covering the House of Commons and House of Lords will have a negative impact on journalists’ excellent work reporting on debates. Holyrood’s


coverage will also be affected as the number of dedicated political journalists will be halved, and the Pictures team sadly face cuts. Members have sent a resounding message to company bosses by voting in favour of industrial action. Te NUJ’s Parliamentary Group is writing to PA leadership over the consequences for democratic participation, should plans proceed at pace. Charges against three alleged Iranian spies regarding serious offences including surveillance and intention to commit violence against journalists at Iran International will have shocked many of you, who abhor the intimidatory tactics deployed by the Iranian state to harass UK-based journalists. Tere has also been a worrying escalation in Iranian authorities’ persecution of BBC Persian journalists and their families, who have been increasingly subjected to arbitrary interrogations, passport confiscations, travel bans, and various other threats. I have called for continued action from the UK government and vocal international condemnation on this issue to ensure Iran’s bad actors seeking to harm and silence journalists are unsuccessful in their atempts.


Laura Davison


NUJ


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