Organiser at last

AFTER seven years of pressure, freelances in the NUJ have a full-time organiser at last. Bernie Corbett took up the post on 1 April, though it will take him a few weeks to get his feet under the desk.

Bernie Corbett, the new Freelance Organiser. Photo © 1998 John Harris

Corbett was previously the Union's National Newspapers organiser. He needs to finish up such tasks as dealing with the messy Morning Star dispute. He could not be reached for comment as the Freelance went to press. The post had been advertised and the Freelance understands that about 16 applications were received. Some applicants are unhappy that an internal appointment ensued.

"Having a full time organiser at last is great news," commented activist Andrew Wiard, "but it only puts us back where we were seven years ago. Freelances now form over a quarter of the NUJ's membership. In a few years over half of working journalists will be freelance. We need at least two more organisers now, and the resources to fight copyright battles and legal cases."

BY Mike Holderness

Site map Last modified: 04 Jan 1999
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