Jeff Apter and I duly attended our first full NEC meeting this year, representing the Continent of Europe members. You should have received a copy of our report by now. If not, please email nujceceurope@gmail.com.
Best, Philip
Read more...
Monday, 22 March 2010
Your Continent of Europe reps to NEC as of 2010
As of 2010 your Continent of Europe reps to the NEC are Jeff Apter of NUJ Paris (I'm sure you all know Jeff!), and Philip Hunt of NUJ Brussels, as a jobshare. I hope that we can continue the good work done by Simon to date.
Read more...
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Thanks and goodbye
As I have now stood down as your NEC Representative, I wanted to say a big thank you to all of you for putting up with me over the past two and a half years. So thanks one and all.
Keeping NUJ members linked up and informed on a patch as huge as ours was never going to be an easy task, but I think that thanks to the great team of committed activists we have in continental Europe we're doing a pretty good job and we're of course always striving to do better.
Special thanks from me to the chairs of the three NUJ branches in continental Europe - Jim Pollard in Paris, Ruth Milligan in Brussels and Guy Thornton in the Netherlands - for all the help, support and advice they've given me during my time on the NEC.
Thanks too to John Chapman, chair of the Continental European Council (CEC) for most of my NEC term - he's now our representative on the Freelance Industrial Council - and to all of the council's other delegates and officers for their invaluable input and adice.
And of course thanks too to Teresa Robins, our outgoing representative on the Freelance Industrial Council, whos detailed reports and willingness to be on hand with a sympathetic ear have done so much to help freelancers on our patch - often the most isolated members of what is an already isolated group of NUJers.
I also want to assure all of you that you couldn't be in better hands when it comes to making sure the NEC knows what we on the continent are thinking.
My successors on the council are two of the most experienced and committed NUJ activists we have in continental Europe - Jeff Apter from Paris branch and Phil Hunt from Brussels.
Jeff and Phil hold the NEC position as a job share and will undoubtedly be in touch very with you all shortly.
It's great for me to know that I'm being replaced by such a top notch team.
So that's it. Thanks to all of you for your help and goodbye.
Simon Read more...
Keeping NUJ members linked up and informed on a patch as huge as ours was never going to be an easy task, but I think that thanks to the great team of committed activists we have in continental Europe we're doing a pretty good job and we're of course always striving to do better.
Special thanks from me to the chairs of the three NUJ branches in continental Europe - Jim Pollard in Paris, Ruth Milligan in Brussels and Guy Thornton in the Netherlands - for all the help, support and advice they've given me during my time on the NEC.
Thanks too to John Chapman, chair of the Continental European Council (CEC) for most of my NEC term - he's now our representative on the Freelance Industrial Council - and to all of the council's other delegates and officers for their invaluable input and adice.
And of course thanks too to Teresa Robins, our outgoing representative on the Freelance Industrial Council, whos detailed reports and willingness to be on hand with a sympathetic ear have done so much to help freelancers on our patch - often the most isolated members of what is an already isolated group of NUJers.
I also want to assure all of you that you couldn't be in better hands when it comes to making sure the NEC knows what we on the continent are thinking.
My successors on the council are two of the most experienced and committed NUJ activists we have in continental Europe - Jeff Apter from Paris branch and Phil Hunt from Brussels.
Jeff and Phil hold the NEC position as a job share and will undoubtedly be in touch very with you all shortly.
It's great for me to know that I'm being replaced by such a top notch team.
So that's it. Thanks to all of you for your help and goodbye.
Simon Read more...
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Continental European Council
Here's a brief roundup of the last meeting of the continental European council that I attended as your NEC rep and also as a delegate for Paris branch. The meeting was well attended, with just one apology for absence from those scheduled to take part. I felt the session was extremely constructive.
Continental European Council Brussels 5-9-2009
Present
Chair Jim Pollard, Chair Paris Branch
Delegates
Simon Coss, Vice Chair, Paris branch
Guy Thornton, Chair, Netherlands Branch
John Chapman, Brussels Branch
Leigh Phillips, Brussels Branch
Servicing Officer
Jeremy Dear, General Secretary
Ex-officio delegates
Simon Coss, National Executive Council (NEC)
Teresa Robins, Freelance Industrial Council (FIC)
Apologies
Ruth Milligan, Chair Brussels Branch
++++++
Jim Pollard (JP) opened proceedings by explaining that this very informal session was the first meeting of the 'slimmed down' Continental European Council (CEC), comprised of the three European branch chairs and three working delegates with servicing officer and the NEC and FIC representatives for continental Europe attending in an observer capacity. The aim of the the new set up was to, “get some things done,” Jim said. Jim chaired following an agreement that for the time being the chair of the CEC would rotate between the three CE branch chairs.
CEC Objectives
This quick round table discussion allowed everyone present to give their views on how the CEC should move forward. John Chapman (JC) stressed the need for the CEC and European branches to co-ordinate their aims and objectives. Key among these aims should be setting up new branches and providing services to members. Guy Thornton (GT) agreed, adding that the council should also provide information on continental European matters to the NEC and the rest of the NUJ. Jeremy Dear (JD) added that the CEC had a role to play in ensuring that any NUJ campaigns were give a European feel when appropriate. Simon Coss (SC) agreed with all of the previous statements. Teresa Robins (TR) said that that most members in Europe had never heard of the CEC. It was also agreed that the CEC should aim to represent all members in continental Europe, be they members of established branches or not.
New Branches
JD explained that in order for the NEC to approve the creation of a new branch, it would have to be convinced that the branch was credible. You, “can't set up a branch to fail,” he argued. However, it was generally felt that creating a branch in Spain was a credible option. TR, who is based in Seville, said there was “great potential,” for such a branch. There was a brief discussion about whether or not rules on virtual branches were needed to help do this. SC argued that under the existing rules it was already possible to do everything needed to get a branch up and running, including the possibility of asking for the branch to meet fewer than 11 times a year if necessary and the possibility for its members to use new technologies to keep in touch in between meetings. Given this we should, “just get on with it,” SC argued. There was general agreement on this and Paris delegate David Hayhurst (DH) was tasked with moving things forward. It was agreed that David should consult with TR on this as she lived in Spain and could provide practical, on the ground help and information.
It was agreed to try to set up a branch in Spain and that David Hayhurst of Paris branch would coordintate.
CEC Activities
A number of ongoing CEC initiatives were discussed.
Facebook for Freelancers
The CEC Facebook site for freelancers was up and running, it was explained. How often the site is used will depend on freelancers in Europe. For the time being, activity has been relatively slow.
Recognition of professional qualifications
JD said he would ask John Barsby, the NUJ's representative on the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), for progress on this issue. Background: Many colleagues in continental Europe find professional experience gained abroad is not recognised in the country they now live in.
Since the meeting, JD has been in touch with John.
Freelance database
JC explained that the CEC's freelance database was working but needed more publicity to ensure members knew it existed. John has since written a paragrpah to be included 'NUJ Active' electronic newsletter.'
Success stories for use in recruitment
All branches were asked to provide three success stories, showing how the union in continental Europe has provided concrete practical, help to members, for use in recruitment activities. Deadline 1 November.
Future CEC meetings
It was agreed that for the foreseeable future CEC meetings would be held in Brussels and would begin at 1 pm rather than 2 pm.
Closer links between CEC and EFJ
LP was appointed as the CEC's liaison person with the EFJ. It was agreed that Leigh would get in touch with John Barsby to begin discussing how best to co-ordinate activities. It was also agreed to invite John B to a future CEC meeting (NB: Both of these things have been done since the CEC meeting).
Review of Existing standing orders and rules on the CEC
There seemed general agreement that there is no pressing need to modify the rule on the CEC's role or the its standing orders.
Name change
There was a brief discussion on whether the the CEC should change its name to Continental European Forum to reflect the fact that it is not an executive council, but it was agreed that this would not be useful at present. This was because it would require a rule change. The CEC will decide in the future whether a wider rule change is necessary in the light of its new activities, it was agreed.
Members' Employment Contracts
Following a Brussels branch motion passed at ADM in 2008 on the need to help members based in continental Europe who were employed under often confusing contractual terms, it was agreed to look into the possibility of drawing up an extensive report into the scale of the problem. More information on this initiative should be circulated shortly and of course any experience any of you may have had with contracts or working conditions would be gratefully received.
ADM Matters
Virtual branches
As there was not agreement between the three European branches on the issue, it was agreed that the CEC would not support the Netherlands branch motion on virtual branches.
Delegates
LP and GT were selected as CEC delegates to ADM. Both Leigh and Guy should also be attending as delegates from their own branches, thus reducing costs for the Union.
Cost saving motions
SC asked delegates to ask their branches to back the various cost saving and revenue raising motions that the NEC has put to ADM in a bid to tackle the financial crisis the Union finds itself in.
Next meeting
It was agreed that the next CEC meeting would be held on 9 January at 1.00 pm in Brussels. Read more...
Continental European Council Brussels 5-9-2009
Present
Chair Jim Pollard, Chair Paris Branch
Delegates
Simon Coss, Vice Chair, Paris branch
Guy Thornton, Chair, Netherlands Branch
John Chapman, Brussels Branch
Leigh Phillips, Brussels Branch
Servicing Officer
Jeremy Dear, General Secretary
Ex-officio delegates
Simon Coss, National Executive Council (NEC)
Teresa Robins, Freelance Industrial Council (FIC)
Apologies
Ruth Milligan, Chair Brussels Branch
++++++
Jim Pollard (JP) opened proceedings by explaining that this very informal session was the first meeting of the 'slimmed down' Continental European Council (CEC), comprised of the three European branch chairs and three working delegates with servicing officer and the NEC and FIC representatives for continental Europe attending in an observer capacity. The aim of the the new set up was to, “get some things done,” Jim said. Jim chaired following an agreement that for the time being the chair of the CEC would rotate between the three CE branch chairs.
CEC Objectives
This quick round table discussion allowed everyone present to give their views on how the CEC should move forward. John Chapman (JC) stressed the need for the CEC and European branches to co-ordinate their aims and objectives. Key among these aims should be setting up new branches and providing services to members. Guy Thornton (GT) agreed, adding that the council should also provide information on continental European matters to the NEC and the rest of the NUJ. Jeremy Dear (JD) added that the CEC had a role to play in ensuring that any NUJ campaigns were give a European feel when appropriate. Simon Coss (SC) agreed with all of the previous statements. Teresa Robins (TR) said that that most members in Europe had never heard of the CEC. It was also agreed that the CEC should aim to represent all members in continental Europe, be they members of established branches or not.
New Branches
JD explained that in order for the NEC to approve the creation of a new branch, it would have to be convinced that the branch was credible. You, “can't set up a branch to fail,” he argued. However, it was generally felt that creating a branch in Spain was a credible option. TR, who is based in Seville, said there was “great potential,” for such a branch. There was a brief discussion about whether or not rules on virtual branches were needed to help do this. SC argued that under the existing rules it was already possible to do everything needed to get a branch up and running, including the possibility of asking for the branch to meet fewer than 11 times a year if necessary and the possibility for its members to use new technologies to keep in touch in between meetings. Given this we should, “just get on with it,” SC argued. There was general agreement on this and Paris delegate David Hayhurst (DH) was tasked with moving things forward. It was agreed that David should consult with TR on this as she lived in Spain and could provide practical, on the ground help and information.
It was agreed to try to set up a branch in Spain and that David Hayhurst of Paris branch would coordintate.
CEC Activities
A number of ongoing CEC initiatives were discussed.
Facebook for Freelancers
The CEC Facebook site for freelancers was up and running, it was explained. How often the site is used will depend on freelancers in Europe. For the time being, activity has been relatively slow.
Recognition of professional qualifications
JD said he would ask John Barsby, the NUJ's representative on the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), for progress on this issue. Background: Many colleagues in continental Europe find professional experience gained abroad is not recognised in the country they now live in.
Since the meeting, JD has been in touch with John.
Freelance database
JC explained that the CEC's freelance database was working but needed more publicity to ensure members knew it existed. John has since written a paragrpah to be included 'NUJ Active' electronic newsletter.'
Success stories for use in recruitment
All branches were asked to provide three success stories, showing how the union in continental Europe has provided concrete practical, help to members, for use in recruitment activities. Deadline 1 November.
Future CEC meetings
It was agreed that for the foreseeable future CEC meetings would be held in Brussels and would begin at 1 pm rather than 2 pm.
Closer links between CEC and EFJ
LP was appointed as the CEC's liaison person with the EFJ. It was agreed that Leigh would get in touch with John Barsby to begin discussing how best to co-ordinate activities. It was also agreed to invite John B to a future CEC meeting (NB: Both of these things have been done since the CEC meeting).
Review of Existing standing orders and rules on the CEC
There seemed general agreement that there is no pressing need to modify the rule on the CEC's role or the its standing orders.
Name change
There was a brief discussion on whether the the CEC should change its name to Continental European Forum to reflect the fact that it is not an executive council, but it was agreed that this would not be useful at present. This was because it would require a rule change. The CEC will decide in the future whether a wider rule change is necessary in the light of its new activities, it was agreed.
Members' Employment Contracts
Following a Brussels branch motion passed at ADM in 2008 on the need to help members based in continental Europe who were employed under often confusing contractual terms, it was agreed to look into the possibility of drawing up an extensive report into the scale of the problem. More information on this initiative should be circulated shortly and of course any experience any of you may have had with contracts or working conditions would be gratefully received.
ADM Matters
Virtual branches
As there was not agreement between the three European branches on the issue, it was agreed that the CEC would not support the Netherlands branch motion on virtual branches.
Delegates
LP and GT were selected as CEC delegates to ADM. Both Leigh and Guy should also be attending as delegates from their own branches, thus reducing costs for the Union.
Cost saving motions
SC asked delegates to ask their branches to back the various cost saving and revenue raising motions that the NEC has put to ADM in a bid to tackle the financial crisis the Union finds itself in.
Next meeting
It was agreed that the next CEC meeting would be held on 9 January at 1.00 pm in Brussels. Read more...
Report of September NEC Meeting
Preparations for this year's annual delegates meeting meeting took up the lion's share of our time at the September NEC. But other important issues, including the ongoing jobs crisis and the lection of a new editor of the journalist also came up for discussion.
ADM Ahoy
The majority of the September NEC session was taken up with preparations for this year's Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM), which is going to have to find a new name if plans to hold it every 18 months or even two years are passed.
We spent hours painstakingly going through the draft agenda, checking amendments, alterations and arcane comments from standing orders committee. I can assure members that I earned my Eurostar ticket this time round.
But this was important work, helping to ensure that ADM itself runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible in November.
We also heard yet again of the difficult state of the NUJ's finances, which have been hit hard by the jobs crisis sweeping through our industry. The tough situation means more people are leaving journalism and those that are staying are often having to pay reduced subs. In this context it is vital that the union reduces its costs and increases revenues as much as possible. Recruitment as ever is the long term solution, but the NEC has also put in some tough motions to ADM on this score, including plans for a statutory annual subs rise. No-one likes these kinds of initiatives but for the sake of the union's long term financial future, I urge members to support them.
Standing up for Guardian Photographers
Freelance organiser John Toner explained that he was hoping to coordinate some kind of action linked to the dispute between freelance photographers and the Guardian News and Media group. Snappers keen to get involved should get in touch with John (00 44 20 7843 3735/00 44 7710 314 593. Email freelanceoffice@nuj.org.uk ).
I reported on the recent meeting of the Continental European Council, which was chaired by Paris branch Chair Jim Pollard. I highlighted plans made at the meeting to begin serious work on setting up a branch in Spain and also reminded members of conference on reporting the far right in Europe that Brussels branch is organised in Brussels on 29 September.
New Freelance Industrial Council Representative
It was also announced the meeting that John Chapman of Brussels branch has been elected as the continental European representative to the Freelance Industrial Council (FIC), the NUJ body specifically tasked with tackling all things freelance. A total of 78 votes were cast in the ballot. John won 44 and his opponent, the incumbent FIC representative Teresa Robins, won 34. John's an experienced NUJ activist and former chair of the Continental European Council (CEC).
Simon Coss . Read more...
ADM Ahoy
The majority of the September NEC session was taken up with preparations for this year's Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM), which is going to have to find a new name if plans to hold it every 18 months or even two years are passed.
We spent hours painstakingly going through the draft agenda, checking amendments, alterations and arcane comments from standing orders committee. I can assure members that I earned my Eurostar ticket this time round.
But this was important work, helping to ensure that ADM itself runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible in November.
We also heard yet again of the difficult state of the NUJ's finances, which have been hit hard by the jobs crisis sweeping through our industry. The tough situation means more people are leaving journalism and those that are staying are often having to pay reduced subs. In this context it is vital that the union reduces its costs and increases revenues as much as possible. Recruitment as ever is the long term solution, but the NEC has also put in some tough motions to ADM on this score, including plans for a statutory annual subs rise. No-one likes these kinds of initiatives but for the sake of the union's long term financial future, I urge members to support them.
Standing up for Guardian Photographers
Freelance organiser John Toner explained that he was hoping to coordinate some kind of action linked to the dispute between freelance photographers and the Guardian News and Media group. Snappers keen to get involved should get in touch with John (00 44 20 7843 3735/00 44 7710 314 593. Email freelanceoffice@nuj.org.uk ).
I reported on the recent meeting of the Continental European Council, which was chaired by Paris branch Chair Jim Pollard. I highlighted plans made at the meeting to begin serious work on setting up a branch in Spain and also reminded members of conference on reporting the far right in Europe that Brussels branch is organised in Brussels on 29 September.
New Freelance Industrial Council Representative
It was also announced the meeting that John Chapman of Brussels branch has been elected as the continental European representative to the Freelance Industrial Council (FIC), the NUJ body specifically tasked with tackling all things freelance. A total of 78 votes were cast in the ballot. John won 44 and his opponent, the incumbent FIC representative Teresa Robins, won 34. John's an experienced NUJ activist and former chair of the Continental European Council (CEC).
Simon Coss . Read more...
Friday, 4 September 2009
Jobs Crisis Omnipresent at July NEC
The unprecedented jobs crisis sweeping through our industry was once again at the heart of NEC discussions at this meeting - the executive's penultimate session before this year's Annual Delegates Meeting in Southport.
I hope you all managed to have some kind of a summer break this year. I confess that my heading of for a much needed breather is one of the reasons this account of the July NEC meeting is arriving rather late. I hope you can accept my apologies for that.
As ever, if any of you have any questions about NEC or anything else NUJ related for that matter, I will always endeavor to help or put you in touch with someone who can.
NEC Meeting Headland House 10 July 2009
Simon Coss – NEC Representative, Continental Europe
Financial Situation
Thanks to rigourous budgeting the Union's finances remain sound but the financial situation is extremely difficult. This is in large part because of the waves of job cuts sweeping through our industry. These are either forcing people to leave the union altogether as they seek work in other areas or obliging them to pay reduced subs.
The General Secretary Jeremy Dear, presented his planned budget for 2010, which,again thanks to rigorous budgeting, was balanced. NEC endorsed the budget plans.
NEC also endorsed a number of motions designed to increase income and reduce costs, which will be put to this year's Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) of the Union in Southport in November.
The motions call for tough measures, reflecting the tough times we find ourselves in. They include plans for an automatic, annual subs rise of 3 percent or the rate of inflation.
No one is saying that passing such motions will be pleasant, but without them the Union's financial future could be in real jeopardy. So I would ask all of you to support these motions in any way you can.
Recruitment
As ever, this remains the union's top priority. We will only survive by recruiting new members. All members should do all they can on this score. If you are in branches, your officers will be able to help you with recruiting. Members not in branches can contact me, the CEC, your Freelance Industrial Council Rep or head office. Links to all of these can be found on the right hand column of this blog.
One important thing to stress in these difficult times is that no one should feel they have to leave the NUJ because they have either lost their job or have seen their earnings reduced. We are a trade union and that means we believe in solidarity. We stand by our colleagues in good times and bad. If any of you are concerned about being able to keep paying your subs at current rates or whether or not they can stay in the Union, talk to your branches, talk to other NUJ members, talk to head office and it goes without saying you can contact me. We will always be able to sort something out. Above all, no one should feel they must face their problems alone.
State of the Union
The crisis in our industry remains as grim and as vicious as ever. Most of the meeting was taken up with accounts of disappearing freelance work, job cuts, slashed budgets and increasingly aggressive tactics by management. We are clearly not out of the woods yet by any stretch of the imagination. Jeremy described the situation as, “a real crisis”.
Honorary General Treasurer Anita Halpin put the situation in perspective.
“In proportion to our size, we've lost more jobs than any other sector,” during the current economic turmoil, she said
Continental European Matters
I updated the NEC on the recently agreed plans for a temporarily slimmed down Continental European Council (CEC). For the time being the CEC will consist of the chairs of the three continental European branches and three branch delegates.
I also stressed that Brussels branch is now going to be in the front line of the Union's work combating the lies, misinformation and hate speech regularly pedalled by the British National Party (BNP) as BNP leader Nick Griffin is now an MEP. It was agreed to speak to the CEC and Brussels about possibly organising some kind of event in Brussels on reporting the far-right in Europe. It was also stressed that the Union would support anyone working in the press departments of the EU institutions – in particular the Parliament – who did not want to handle BNP literature for ethical reasons.
Following the meeting, Brussels branch stepped up to the plate in no uncertain terms and has organised a speaker debate called
"Covering the Far Right in Europe: Ethics on the line"
It will take place on 29 September.
NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear is going to moderate. Aidan White, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) will speak and part of the event will be a launch of his new book on ethical journalism. Other speakers are set to include an MEP speaking, EU policy expert Shada Islam of the European Policy Centre and a high-level journalist.
The CEC and Brussels will send out more info in due course, but I just wanted to put my thanks on the record to Brussels branch for organising this important event so quickly and efficiently.
ADM
As I mentioned earlier, NEC adopted a number of motions that it intends to put to ADM this year, many linked to overcoming the union's financial problems. Since NEC, a preliminary agenda for ADM has been circulated. Those of you in branches will be able to get more info. on that from your relevant branch officers. If any of the rest of you need information on this, I'm happy to help.
Read more...
I hope you all managed to have some kind of a summer break this year. I confess that my heading of for a much needed breather is one of the reasons this account of the July NEC meeting is arriving rather late. I hope you can accept my apologies for that.
As ever, if any of you have any questions about NEC or anything else NUJ related for that matter, I will always endeavor to help or put you in touch with someone who can.
NEC Meeting Headland House 10 July 2009
Simon Coss – NEC Representative, Continental Europe
Financial Situation
Thanks to rigourous budgeting the Union's finances remain sound but the financial situation is extremely difficult. This is in large part because of the waves of job cuts sweeping through our industry. These are either forcing people to leave the union altogether as they seek work in other areas or obliging them to pay reduced subs.
The General Secretary Jeremy Dear, presented his planned budget for 2010, which,again thanks to rigorous budgeting, was balanced. NEC endorsed the budget plans.
NEC also endorsed a number of motions designed to increase income and reduce costs, which will be put to this year's Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) of the Union in Southport in November.
The motions call for tough measures, reflecting the tough times we find ourselves in. They include plans for an automatic, annual subs rise of 3 percent or the rate of inflation.
No one is saying that passing such motions will be pleasant, but without them the Union's financial future could be in real jeopardy. So I would ask all of you to support these motions in any way you can.
Recruitment
As ever, this remains the union's top priority. We will only survive by recruiting new members. All members should do all they can on this score. If you are in branches, your officers will be able to help you with recruiting. Members not in branches can contact me, the CEC, your Freelance Industrial Council Rep or head office. Links to all of these can be found on the right hand column of this blog.
One important thing to stress in these difficult times is that no one should feel they have to leave the NUJ because they have either lost their job or have seen their earnings reduced. We are a trade union and that means we believe in solidarity. We stand by our colleagues in good times and bad. If any of you are concerned about being able to keep paying your subs at current rates or whether or not they can stay in the Union, talk to your branches, talk to other NUJ members, talk to head office and it goes without saying you can contact me. We will always be able to sort something out. Above all, no one should feel they must face their problems alone.
State of the Union
The crisis in our industry remains as grim and as vicious as ever. Most of the meeting was taken up with accounts of disappearing freelance work, job cuts, slashed budgets and increasingly aggressive tactics by management. We are clearly not out of the woods yet by any stretch of the imagination. Jeremy described the situation as, “a real crisis”.
Honorary General Treasurer Anita Halpin put the situation in perspective.
“In proportion to our size, we've lost more jobs than any other sector,” during the current economic turmoil, she said
Continental European Matters
I updated the NEC on the recently agreed plans for a temporarily slimmed down Continental European Council (CEC). For the time being the CEC will consist of the chairs of the three continental European branches and three branch delegates.
I also stressed that Brussels branch is now going to be in the front line of the Union's work combating the lies, misinformation and hate speech regularly pedalled by the British National Party (BNP) as BNP leader Nick Griffin is now an MEP. It was agreed to speak to the CEC and Brussels about possibly organising some kind of event in Brussels on reporting the far-right in Europe. It was also stressed that the Union would support anyone working in the press departments of the EU institutions – in particular the Parliament – who did not want to handle BNP literature for ethical reasons.
Following the meeting, Brussels branch stepped up to the plate in no uncertain terms and has organised a speaker debate called
"Covering the Far Right in Europe: Ethics on the line"
It will take place on 29 September.
NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear is going to moderate. Aidan White, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) will speak and part of the event will be a launch of his new book on ethical journalism. Other speakers are set to include an MEP speaking, EU policy expert Shada Islam of the European Policy Centre and a high-level journalist.
The CEC and Brussels will send out more info in due course, but I just wanted to put my thanks on the record to Brussels branch for organising this important event so quickly and efficiently.
ADM
As I mentioned earlier, NEC adopted a number of motions that it intends to put to ADM this year, many linked to overcoming the union's financial problems. Since NEC, a preliminary agenda for ADM has been circulated. Those of you in branches will be able to get more info. on that from your relevant branch officers. If any of the rest of you need information on this, I'm happy to help.
Read more...
Thursday, 26 March 2009
News Agencies in Danger Warn European Journalists' Unions
On 21st March I attended a meeting in Paris of journalists from a number of Europe's leading news agencies. It was called by France's SNJ-CGT union to highlight the mounting threats to agencies from employers and managers constantly looking to cut costs. Strong, independent news agencies are a vital part of the journalistic landscape in any democratic society and must be protected.
NUJ colleague and fellow Paris branch member Julian Nundy also attended the meeting and produced an excellent account of the proceedings for the Paris branch newsletter, which I have taken the liberty of reproducing here:
PARIS NUJ ATTENDS RANK-AND-FILE NEWS AGENCIES MEETING
The NUJ and the French SNJ-CGT held a one-day meeting in Paris on 21st March on the problems facing the world’s news agencies, some of them threatened with becoming multimedia operations churning out low-grade news with minimal financing and skeleton staffs.
The NUJ was represented by Jim Boumelha, also President of the International Federation of Journalists, Barry Fitzpatrick, Head of Publishing, Philip Waller, deputy Father of the Chapel at Thomson Reuters, and Paris Branch’s Simon Coss who freelances for AFP and Bloomberg staffer Julian Nundy.
Welcoming participants, who included representatives of the Associated Press in Paris, Spain’s Efe news agency in London, as well as Agence France-Presse, Patrick Kamenka of the SNJ-CGT said AFP was in danger of crossing a "red line" because it faced changes to its statutes by the end of March, leading to cuts in government subsidies. A petition to preserve AFP’s current status has been signed by some 14,000 people. An evening of support is planned to which politicians and public figures are invited to increase pressure to keep AFP’s status as it is.
Other workplace reports included Thomson Reuters, where former Thomson staff have been told they will lose their current nine-day fortnight, but will not get pay parity with Reuters staff in exchange. An NUJ-organised ballot is under way to decide on strike action unless management abandons what Barry Fitzpatrick described as a clear attempt to obtain more for less.
At Bloomberg News, Julian Nundy said that, unlike the other news services, Bloomberg is profitable and does not have financial problems. Nonetheless in February, Bloomberg closed its foreign-language television channels and sacked some 320 journalists. Bloomberg has negotiated an agreement with the Associated Press to buy AP’s service outside the U.S. This may eventually be used to replace work currently done by some Bloomberg journalists, putting more jobs at risk.
The most surreal account came from the SNJ-CGT’s Thierry Boinet, a reporter at AP’s French-language service. AP is laying off 400 of its 4,000 journalists and the Paris-based French service is up for sale. New Fund, a capital-risk group and the only current potential buyer, says it can take a service which currently loses 1 million euros a year, offer a cheaper deal than AFP, particularly for photos, and take clients in the French regional press away from AFP to make a profit.
To achieve this, 80 per cent of the current 107 AP French service staff would be fired, with just 22 remaining. Staff would work a 45-hour week and give up two weeks of their current eight weeks of holiday. The SNJ-CGT walked out of talks with New Fund; other unions remained. In November, AP’s CEO said AP had cash flow of only $24 million and projected zero cash-flow for 2009. AP would need $15 million just to pay the severance of people laid off in France. Participants at the Paris gathering agreed to widen contacts to other agencies, particularly Germany’s DPA and Italy’s ANSA, as well as photo agencies, and organise a follow-up meeting before the summer.
Julian Nundy
(for more information on Paris branch's activities, visit their website at http://www.nujcec.org/paris) Read more...
NUJ colleague and fellow Paris branch member Julian Nundy also attended the meeting and produced an excellent account of the proceedings for the Paris branch newsletter, which I have taken the liberty of reproducing here:
PARIS NUJ ATTENDS RANK-AND-FILE NEWS AGENCIES MEETING
The NUJ and the French SNJ-CGT held a one-day meeting in Paris on 21st March on the problems facing the world’s news agencies, some of them threatened with becoming multimedia operations churning out low-grade news with minimal financing and skeleton staffs.
The NUJ was represented by Jim Boumelha, also President of the International Federation of Journalists, Barry Fitzpatrick, Head of Publishing, Philip Waller, deputy Father of the Chapel at Thomson Reuters, and Paris Branch’s Simon Coss who freelances for AFP and Bloomberg staffer Julian Nundy.
Welcoming participants, who included representatives of the Associated Press in Paris, Spain’s Efe news agency in London, as well as Agence France-Presse, Patrick Kamenka of the SNJ-CGT said AFP was in danger of crossing a "red line" because it faced changes to its statutes by the end of March, leading to cuts in government subsidies. A petition to preserve AFP’s current status has been signed by some 14,000 people. An evening of support is planned to which politicians and public figures are invited to increase pressure to keep AFP’s status as it is.
Other workplace reports included Thomson Reuters, where former Thomson staff have been told they will lose their current nine-day fortnight, but will not get pay parity with Reuters staff in exchange. An NUJ-organised ballot is under way to decide on strike action unless management abandons what Barry Fitzpatrick described as a clear attempt to obtain more for less.
At Bloomberg News, Julian Nundy said that, unlike the other news services, Bloomberg is profitable and does not have financial problems. Nonetheless in February, Bloomberg closed its foreign-language television channels and sacked some 320 journalists. Bloomberg has negotiated an agreement with the Associated Press to buy AP’s service outside the U.S. This may eventually be used to replace work currently done by some Bloomberg journalists, putting more jobs at risk.
The most surreal account came from the SNJ-CGT’s Thierry Boinet, a reporter at AP’s French-language service. AP is laying off 400 of its 4,000 journalists and the Paris-based French service is up for sale. New Fund, a capital-risk group and the only current potential buyer, says it can take a service which currently loses 1 million euros a year, offer a cheaper deal than AFP, particularly for photos, and take clients in the French regional press away from AFP to make a profit.
To achieve this, 80 per cent of the current 107 AP French service staff would be fired, with just 22 remaining. Staff would work a 45-hour week and give up two weeks of their current eight weeks of holiday. The SNJ-CGT walked out of talks with New Fund; other unions remained. In November, AP’s CEO said AP had cash flow of only $24 million and projected zero cash-flow for 2009. AP would need $15 million just to pay the severance of people laid off in France. Participants at the Paris gathering agreed to widen contacts to other agencies, particularly Germany’s DPA and Italy’s ANSA, as well as photo agencies, and organise a follow-up meeting before the summer.
Julian Nundy
(for more information on Paris branch's activities, visit their website at http://www.nujcec.org/paris) Read more...
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