EC Meeting March 2017

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Implementation Support was given to the attempt by the NUJ at the Rotheram Advertiser to remove a redundancy notice against their FoC Bro. Phil Turner. Representations were made to management.

Resolution 11

Future of Local Newspapers

(1) This conference notes the ongoing crisis in the regional newspaper industry that has seen over 140 newspapers close since 2011.

(2) In that time further waves of redundancies and budget cuts have hit journalists working in local and regional newspapers, with photographers being particularly badly hit in recent months as companies increasingly turn to free so-called “user generated” images and content to fill their pages. Companies have also created “regional subbing hubs”, in the process transferring work from local communities these newspapers are supposed to serve and reflect, losing jobs and longstanding local knowledge and expertise. (3) Conference notes that a quarter of local government areas are not covered by a local newspaper and 35 per cent of local government areas are covered by only a single news outlet. In 55 per cent of local government areas the same four companies have majority ownership of the local market. Reduced staffing levels have not been accompanied by a reduction in work, and (4) unacceptable workloads and stress for those remaining has reached disturbing levels. The lack of resources also means readers are being shortchanged and once bread-and-butter functions of local newspapers – such as covering council meetings and courts – are being jettisoned because reporters are so thin on the ground. (5) Conference notes the efforts of the NUJ in defending jobs and standing up for quality journalism – a vital part of local democracy, holding politicians and businesses to account and providing vital information as well as entertainment. (6) Conference therefore calls on the GFTU to campaign vigorously to protect local and regional journalism, and for changes that will allow greater plurality of ownership and better standards of journalism. (7) Conference further supports calls for a government-commissioned inquiry into the crisis, which will look at new models of ownership and allow newspapers to be protected with community asset status, which will limit owners’ ability to close publications overnight and allow more time for consultation on their future.

This resolution was implemented.

Resolution 12

Representation on GFTU Executive Committee

(1) SUE Executive committee reaffirms the importance and value to our members of GTFU affiliation. In particular we commend the education courses through which many of our members have gained new skills and experience. (2) SUE wish to support the future expansion of GFTU affiliates and encourage those non affiliated unions to join. In particular we feel that affiliation is of significant value to those smaller organisation like ourselves, who whilst modest in membership number are mighty in terms of the impact we have at the workplace on behalf of members. (3) As part of efforts from GFTU to attract other affiliates it is important that their voices are heard and are properly represented on the GFTU executive committee. We therefore call for the GFTU to bring forward a rule change that would facilitate smaller organisations being represented on the GFTU executive and urge affiliates to support such a rule change should it be tabled.