STRIKE


02 Springer Nature


Members at the academic publishers won a double-digit 2 year pay award with their innovative campaign and super-cool picket line, Frances Rafferty reports


W


ith a score and more of Nobel prize winners, 800 top


scientists, actor


Stephen Fry and a peer of the realm and his dog named Bob on your side, plus a huge swell of solidarity from NUJ branches, members and chapels, the Springer Nature strikers were up for the fight. Tey had rejected a 5.8 per cent


offer because wage stagnation and the current costs of living meant they were earning hardly enough to pay their bills, contemplate geting a mortgage and as one member said: “To make ends meet I’ve sold my car and am forgoing many ‘luxuries’ — like fun mostly.” Teir point was that the company could afford it, having made more than $500m in operating profit in 2022, a 27 per cent margin, and was advertising for two vice-presidents at $250,000 apiece. Two strike days down the line, and a leter of support from the Who’s Who of the science world urging them to end the nine- month dispute, negotiations were resumed between Springer Nature management and the NUJ, brokered by ACAS, and a deal was agreed. Te outcome was constructive and a new revised package was


emphatically accepted by the vast majority of the NUJ chapel. Just as important, the talks recognised the need to improve the quality and nature of the relationship between the two sides, with a commitment to improved communication and further discussions on workload. Tis successful result is a huge


credit to the reps, the union’s officials and the general secretary. It has also inspired other organisations and publications, such as the Lancet, to boost their chapels and organise. It also showed the value of geting people on the members’ side to further validate their claim. Te picket line on day one received a visit by the executive commitee of the International Federation of Journalists, who were blown away by the carnival atmosphere, with a strikers’ soundtrack (check it out on Spotify) blaring out songs and anthems, and home-baked NUJ cookies.


Te success came hard on the heels of another notable victory – union recognition at the Press Association, aſter a four-year long batle. Te reps wanted it to be a positive campaign. It had been a tough and frustrating process, and a huge amount of tenacity was required. PA chapel co- chair Emily said: “Be creative, don’t


give up, and stay positive! What you want is achievable – even if you’re starting from a small base. And, try and have fun along the way.” Jonathan Brady said they were


proud that they were able to run such a positive campaign: “We want the company to do well – and for young journalists to see that they have a future and a career path here.”


Play your part


Having the backing from the whole union provides a huge morale boost to members taking industrial action. Whether it is joining strike commitees and chapel meetings to offering advice and sharing tactics and insights, to signing petitions, to visiting the local picket line, to tweeting a message of solidarity on social media, it all puts pressure on the management and provides a boost for the members. If these victories have inspired you to take action or boost recruitment contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk if you need help.


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