Background to this issue

For some background you might read my original submission to the IEC concerning the Drogheda Independent.  Also The Story So Far about the demise of the NUJ PhotoList makes interesting reading.  Epuk also has a number of stories about the Drogheda Agreement as does the BJP.    Naturally if you feel you wish to comment on the contents I welcome open and free debate so please do so.  Please be aware that all postings are screened.  Personal attacks and abusive comments will be deleted.

Please be aware that this is NOT an official NUJ website and this site is not currently endorsed by any NUJ Branch.  For the official site please click here

Comments

[Pete Jenkins]

"The way freelances are treated is despicable. These are highly
skilled people that the media industry relies upon heavily and is hugely indebted to."

"The NUJ is putting freelances' plight at the top of our agenda and we are going to work tirelessly to stop this cynical exploitation. There is no place for a two-tier workforce in our profession. We will not stand for freelances being paid a second-class rate for doing a top- class job."

NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear
quoted in 'NUJ reveals freelance rates stagnating or getting worse'
http://www.nuj.org.uk/inner.php?docid=1140

[Pete Jenkins]

Question: Does any of the following apply to paid officials of the NUJ?

(a) By joining the NUJ, you join a democratic trade union. The NUJ is run by its members, who have rights and responsibilities. Members are expected to work to help strengthen the NUJ in its work and to abide by the following principles and practices.

(b) STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY: The NUJ is a trade union founded on the principle that the pay and conditions of individuals at work are best improved by, collectively, improving the conditions of all. Because of this, members are expected:

(i) to treat other members of the union with consideration and respect and not to take actions which threaten their livelihood or working conditions

(ii) to defend the interests of other members of the union in the same way as they would defend their own interests.

(c) STAFF JOURNALISTS AND FREELANCES TOGETHER: The NUJ has among its members both employees and self-employed members. Both groups share a common interest in promoting high standards of journalism and in defending security of work and the levels of pay offered in the industry. Members are expected:

(i) when commissioning from freelances, to try to ensure that payment rates offered are not lower than NUJ recommended minimum rates, that payment is made promptly after receipt of copy, and that freelance members are able to negotiate as appropriate for the retention of copyright and moral rights

(ii) when commissioning from freelances, to familiarise themselves with any current detailed advice issued by the NUJ

(iii) to cooperate with other members in order to improve rates of pay and strengthen the rights enjoyed generally by freelances in the industry Further, staff members are expected not to undertake freelance work outside their regular employment ('moonlighting') if this directly deprives a freelance or unemployed member of work.
Freelance members are expected to support staff members taking industrial action by not undertaking work that would undermine the strength of that industrial action.

'Membership Responsibilities '
http://www.nuj.org.uk/inner.php?docid=1808