![[Freelance]](../gif/fl3H.png)
Shaping union policy
THE NATIONAL Union of Journalists is proud to be a member-led union. Policy is determined by members, voting in our Branches to submit motions to Delegate Meeting (DM), and to instruct our delegation how to vote on others' motions. DM takes place every two years, and the next is from Friday 25 April to Sunday 27 April in Blackpool. The motions passed there will instruct the Nationa;Executive Council) (NEC) on policy.
London Freelance Branch has sent eight motions to this DM. Members can download the full agenda here. For handy reference we give some key points from each, sorted by the numbering on the agenda:
10 This DM reaffirms the NUJ's commitment to protecting members' copyright, which is the legal basis for freelance members to get paid for their journalism. ... and sets out campaign priorities on copyright and so-called artificial intelligence.
36 This DM recognises that effective activity at branch level is vital for NUJ work, and that good communication between branch officers and members is essential. But the inability of branch offices to contact their members is a serious obstacle. ... and sets out a fix.
54 This DM notes the report from Manchester University, published in March 2024: Precarious Work: The Consequences for Later Life Security ... and instructs the NEC to work with other members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions on effective pensions measures for freelances and with all unions and others to improve the value of the state pension.
73 This DM is alarmed at the increase in police harassment and arrest of UK independent freelance journalists under anti-terror laws. ... and instructs the NEC to publicise strongly such cases and raise them with the UK government through the NUJ Parliamentary group.
91 This DM deplores all attacks on journalists and reiterates the NUJ's support for the International Federation of Journalists campaign to end impunity from consequences for the attackers. ... and instructs the NEC to organise a major public event to mourn our fallen colleagues and demand accountability for their deaths.
116 This DM recognises the urgency of raising the union’s income from membership subscriptions. Without doing so the service we are able to offer to our members could drop to an unacceptable level. ... and agrees to introduce a new grade 4 for members earning ￡50,000 a year.
122 DM welcomes the UK government statement that the funding of the BBC will continue as it is until charter renewal in 2027. ... and instructs the NEC to begin a programme of research and consultation with BBC members and fellow unions, campaigning bodies and others, to work towards a scheme for a widely supported proposal for introduction in 2027.
141 This DM notes that the NUJ is attracting many applicants to join as asylum-seeker members. These applicants tend to be in a worse position than others because they have little money and are forbidden to work. ... and instructs the NEC to extend NUJ support for journalist asylum seekers in as many ways as possible including simplifying the special application process they go through.
Do please check the full text of each motion in the Final Agenda.