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Digital democracy proves a success


N


UJ branches have shown how quickly they have adapted to the crisis, using new technology to


have virtual meetings, WhatsApp groups to sort out problems and other innovations that could be far- reaching. Edinburgh Freelance branch is


now meeting once a week and for its first online meeting it invited the NUJ’s freelance office’s Pamela Morton and three members of the Freelance Industrial Council. Mark Fisher, branch secretary, said: “We are meeting weekly, rather than monthly, not only because of the fast-moving crisis, but because freelances are particularly vulnerable to the lockdown. Tey tend to work in isolation and many have lost a major part of their income at a stroke. Zoom meetings are an easy way to keep them informed, lending emotional support and raising awareness of the NUJ’s importance. Te technology has enabled us to bring in guest speakers from further afield.”


Te Netherlands branch,


early adopter of online meetings, has been able


to bring together members from all over the country. Bristol branch has moved to


fortnightly meetings via Zoom, set up a WhatsApp group for Covid-19 related problems and posted useful


with a lifeline.” Paul had to have a word with Lord Mayor Jos Clark aſter a disapproving post on Facebook about two freelance photographers covering the new morgue in Brislington. Aſter explaining why they needed to be out reporting, she said she got it.


Sunderland, Shields & Hartlepool


change NUJ meetings for ever. He said: “We had 15 at Manchester and Salford – more than for a long time. It clearly suits people and now we are familiar with the technology it will be the


Chips with everything P


information on its website. Bristol Live is furloughing members and the Voice is likely to suspend printing but will remain digitally. Branch chair Paul Breedon said: “We’re asking members to write to their local MP to get public sector advertising directed to local publications to provide them


rofessor Chris Frost believes the experience will


future for a lot of the union’s business. It was a very good meeting, people were focused and I was able to pop out to the kitchen and turn down the potatoes at the same time. In the long run it will save the union a fortune.”


Te union’s finance,


organised an email link-up among branch officers to ensure their meeting went ahead, so did not lose its record of having every one quorate since 2011. At Notingham branch, 12 members atended a Zoom meeting. It set up a Freelance Hardship Fund and will discuss its donation to NUJ Extra at the May meeting. Di Peasey said: “Te learning curve is making sure everyone is clearly visible. One member appeared as a dark blob and she has promised she will ensure there is adequate lighting next time.” She has sent members the union’s News Recovery Plan and joined Chris Morley, Northern and Midlands senior organiser to give members at Birmingham and Coventry an update on local employers Reach and JPI Media.


policy and development commitees have also successfully carried out their business in an online meeting. It’s a different way of working and the meetings need well chairing; but it’s worked. With greater demand, the technology can only improve.


MEETINGS


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