It was an exciting conference this year, with two main issues in the spotlight; firstly the Drog (CK) agreement which goes to the root and branch of how agreements with employers are made as well as the touch photographers/journalists divide, and secondly the possibility of the Republic of Ireland rejoining the British Commonwealth. No, really.
Admittedly the latter isn’t significant in any serious sense, but was perhaps the best in a long line of “fun” debates stemming from London Central branch’s playful side. Well aware of the NUJ’s Anglo-Irish nature when submitting Motion 35, they knew exactly what kind of debate they were kicking off. I’ll leave it to your imagination, suffice to say that the motion was well on its way to being defeated until the proposing branch shot themselves further in the foot.
Fighting the podium for attention was the internal debate between London Freelance members but the words that drifted across the hall were “the meeting this was proposed wasn’t quorate anyway.” The motion and all others from the branch were rulled out of order automatically. A reason not to have meetings in the pub?
On a more serious note, Drogheda has been a subject of debate all year since the Drogheda Independent’s chapel made and agreement that effectively allowed reporters to carry cameras. Motions were put forward against agreements made without the approval of various bodies, but these were generally seen as impractical (many only meet once every 2 months, and negotiators do not need their hands tied).
Looking at it with my New Media Industrial Council (NMIC) hat, Drogheda is seen as a moving-with-the-times issue, and I think that resistance to this kind of practice puts the Union in a difficult position, effectively ruling out potential members who work in mixed environments. Since these are commonplace in the New Media world, I think the right result was reached, though there were some stirring remarks from the Photographers. One quote that stood out was “How would you feel if a Photographer was sent on a 2-day writing course and replaced you?”
Outside the motions, Alan Johnston taking the stage with Naim Toubassi, President of the Palestinian Journalist’s Syndicate that did so much to help secure his release was perhaps the highlight of the 4-day event. Naim’s obvious enthusiasm and sombre translator made a great comic pairing, but learning how Alan owes his freedom to Palestinian journalists and kept the will to live thanks to them and the NUJ’s campaign which he heard on the BBC world service was genuinely moving. It might even have affected Jeremy Dear.
At the other end of the scale, the revue was written by some of the finest names in Journalism. Not that it showed. Still, Peep Show makes you laugh and cringe at the same time and that’s on its 4th series; you can’t argue with tradition.
Oh, and one more thing: The General Secretary’s opening speech was 40 minutes long. I know because I won the sweepstake!
Adam
25 April 2008
22 April 2008
From the NUJ active newsletter
Are you covering the Beijing Olympics?
Amnesty International is running a training workshop on Thursday 8 May 10am to 12.30pm designed for UK-based journalists interested in updating their knowledge on China. Experts will provide an overview of the situation in China, with workshops addressing journalists’ rights and responsibilities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will also brief on their guidance to journalists. We have 50 tickets to this free event, first come first served, contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk to secure yours.
Amnesty International is running a training workshop on Thursday 8 May 10am to 12.30pm designed for UK-based journalists interested in updating their knowledge on China. Experts will provide an overview of the situation in China, with workshops addressing journalists’ rights and responsibilities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will also brief on their guidance to journalists. We have 50 tickets to this free event, first come first served, contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk to secure yours.
20 April 2008
Free freelance listing
Did you get this? I'll put it up anyway
The all-new NUJ Freelance Directory is almost ready to launch upon the world. Full entries are *free* to freelance NUJ members, including up to three sample photos and an extended text describing yourself, with design - I just pasted in a sample article, with an extra photo in it, and was surprised how nicely it came out.
It's easy to give yourself an entry in the new Freelance Directory. And it works - see below.
1) Go to the 'temporary' address www.nuj-rechord.co.uk
2) Check whether you already have an entry - click "Search the Directory" in the menu, and put your name, in quotes, in the last search field, and click "Search". * If you see yourself, then click "Help" in the menu and go to the instructions on "Updating your entry from the old directory" (If you have already updated it, thank you!) * If you don't, then click "Register as a new member" in the menu, then:
3) Fill in your basic details, and give yourself a password. It is important to get your membership number right. The directory wants the version printed on your (white) Membership Card. The one on press cards may have too many or too few zeros at the start. The new Directory does not show your email address to anyone -instead, people can send you messages by typing into a box in the Directory. So if you get (more) spam, it's nothing to do with the directory. Feel confident to use your main email address.
4) You will get an email from the Directory. Click the link in the email, which it takes you to a page where you enter your skills and specialist subjects. Then you go on to add an extended description/plug and three sample photos, if you want. The reason for this rigmarole is to make sure that you are you and that the email you typed actually works.
5) On May Day we will throw the switch so that everyone visiting www.freelancedirectory.org comes to the new Directory.
Mike Holderness PS: Those members who do not regard "geek" as an insult, in particular, may notice a few remaining odd behaviours. That's why we've given members several weeks to prod and pummel the directory before unleashing it on editors and the world.
The all-new NUJ Freelance Directory is almost ready to launch upon the world. Full entries are *free* to freelance NUJ members, including up to three sample photos and an extended text describing yourself, with design - I just pasted in a sample article, with an extra photo in it, and was surprised how nicely it came out.
It's easy to give yourself an entry in the new Freelance Directory. And it works - see below.
1) Go to the 'temporary' address www.nuj-rechord.co.uk
2) Check whether you already have an entry - click "Search the Directory" in the menu, and put your name, in quotes, in the last search field, and click "Search". * If you see yourself, then click "Help" in the menu and go to the instructions on "Updating your entry from the old directory" (If you have already updated it, thank you!) * If you don't, then click "Register as a new member" in the menu, then:
3) Fill in your basic details, and give yourself a password. It is important to get your membership number right. The directory wants the version printed on your (white) Membership Card. The one on press cards may have too many or too few zeros at the start. The new Directory does not show your email address to anyone -instead, people can send you messages by typing into a box in the Directory. So if you get (more) spam, it's nothing to do with the directory. Feel confident to use your main email address.
4) You will get an email from the Directory. Click the link in the email, which it takes you to a page where you enter your skills and specialist subjects. Then you go on to add an extended description/plug and three sample photos, if you want. The reason for this rigmarole is to make sure that you are you and that the email you typed actually works.
5) On May Day we will throw the switch so that everyone visiting www.freelancedirectory.org comes to the new Directory.
Mike Holderness PS: Those members who do not regard "geek" as an insult, in particular, may notice a few remaining odd behaviours. That's why we've given members several weeks to prod and pummel the directory before unleashing it on editors and the world.
15 April 2008
NUJ jobs up for grabs
The NUJ is looking for a new Deputy General Secretary and an Irish Organiser.
The DGS post is subject to election/re-election by ballot of the NUJ membership every five years. To be shortlisted to stand in the election, you must be a member of the union with five years continuous membership and your contributions must be paid under Rule. A short-listed candidate must have trade union experience as a full time official and/or lay officer for a minimum of three years. Closing date for receipt of applications is 15 May 2008.
The NUJ also has a vacancy for an Irish Organiser to assist with all union activity in the island of Ireland. Completed application forms must be returned by 2 May 2000.
Further information on the posts as well as the terms and conditions of employment and application forms can be obtained from the Administration Department, NUJ, Headland House, 308 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP; email personnel@nuj.org.uk; telephone 020 7843 3700.
The DGS post is subject to election/re-election by ballot of the NUJ membership every five years. To be shortlisted to stand in the election, you must be a member of the union with five years continuous membership and your contributions must be paid under Rule. A short-listed candidate must have trade union experience as a full time official and/or lay officer for a minimum of three years. Closing date for receipt of applications is 15 May 2008.
The NUJ also has a vacancy for an Irish Organiser to assist with all union activity in the island of Ireland. Completed application forms must be returned by 2 May 2000.
Further information on the posts as well as the terms and conditions of employment and application forms can be obtained from the Administration Department, NUJ, Headland House, 308 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP; email personnel@nuj.org.uk; telephone 020 7843 3700.
04 April 2008
Live from Belfast
Just a reminder that Sue and I are here at the ADM representing the branch, so if there's anything you want to say about any of the motions after about No 30 you're too late for that) then let us know (email, text) and we'll pass it on to a roomful of keen-eyed journalist delegates. We're both checking our mail etc. and not in any way nervous about talking to such a large audience. Oh no. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)