Calling freelances - Guardian chapel meeting

THERE WILL BE a chapel meeting for all freelance journalists on Thursday 25 June at 12:30pm in the Scott Room at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU.

It has recently come to the Chapel's attention that attempts are being made by Guardian News Media management to seriously restrict and degrade the terms and conditions of regular and contract freelances. These amount to a full-scale rights grab and a reduction in rates, indicating a clear intention to tear up their own freelance charter.

Since it is vital not to allow freelances to be pressurised and picked off individually or in small groups, the Chapel thought it would be a good idea to hold a meeting at King's Place to try to find out who is affected and to discuss possible ways of standing up together against this tactic.

At the moment there is clear evidence of regular and contract photographers being targeted: the rights grab the Guardian wants, alone, could mean loss of one-fifth of income for some. Clearly all other areas of editorial production are in line for punishment.

So do make the effort to come along.

If you can't make the meeting but are affected and wish to get in touch - even if you aren't in the NUJ - please contact chapel freelance representatives, all contactable care of the Freelance Office:

• Steve Bell
• Tom Davies
• Martin Godwin
• Tony Olmos
• Mary O'Hara (joint Mother of Chapel)
• Anna Bawden (joint Mother of Chapel)

John Toner
National Freelance Organiser