Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/483/2316
From The Socialist newspaper, 19 April 2007
NUJ conference
Campaigning for a £26,000 minimum wage
"THERE SEEMS to be a bit of a right-wing wind blowing this year," was how some delegates commented on this year's centenary conference (ADM) of the National Union of Journalists. The make-up of the conference was certainly older, more conservative and inward-looking than in previous years.
Christian Bunke Manchester
Throughout, the union's leadership struck a cautious tone, commenting on the loss in membership in the last year due to job cuts. "This is a period of consolidation" was the mantra. This and: "We have to be cautious about how we save our money" were in some ways the main themes of the conference.
There will be a national day of action on pay and conditions throughout the industry on 5 November, which is likely to include strike action in a number of places. One of the bosses' organisations will meet in Manchester that day. They can expect an angry welcome from journalists, who wonder why they are getting paid pitiful wages when the bosses continue to rake in millions in profits.
Some will also want to ask questions about which black hole their pension funds have disappeared into. Many others will want to know why jobs in the industry are being cut, when many journalists have to work punishingly long hours. According to the national executive (NEC), the demand for a £26,000 minimum wage for journalists will play a big part in the day of action.
The day of action should be part of a fighting, year-long campaign across the industry. The union should make it clear to members that militant action can win.
This much is proven by the union's history - especially by the national newspapers' strike in 1978-79, which won a 14.5% pay increase. The strike was so successful, partly because of powerful organisation in the workplace. The union should be proud of these traditions and should encourage them now.
Some activists are mooting the idea of rebuilding the broad left within the union. But the weaknesses of the old "broad" left need to be analysed. A left-wing organisation within a union cannot just be an electoral machine. It has to be centred around a fighting industrial programme and sink roots in the workplaces. Officials elected on its platform need to be held accountable by the left organisation.
There were some good decisions made at ADM. The union is backing the demand for a national demonstration against NHS cuts, which was put to ADM by members of the Socialist Party.
A real breakthrough was made by members of the Manchester branch. The branch has campaigned for the last few years to achieve full membership rights for asylum seekers who have been working journalists in their home countries. This was won at this year's ADM by a huge majority, against the will of the NEC.
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In The Socialist 19 April 2007:
Kick big business out of the NHS
Nurses' fury at cuts and attacks on jobs
NHS London - delivering private health
Socialist Students
Build for national action against fees
Socialist Party election campaign
Leicester: A principled stand against opportunists
Young socialist standing for Save Huddersfield NHS
Save our NHS campaign fields five candidates in South Lakes
Making a difference in Lincoln
Vote Socialist Alternative on 3 May
Socialist Party editorial
RMT victory: Union militancy pays
Campaign for a New Workers Party
Wanted - a new mass party for workers
Campaign for a New Workers' Party Conference
Socialist Party workplace news
Tube workers win big victory over Metronet
Campaigning for a £26,000 minimum wage
Young trade unionists reject New Labour
Greenwich UNISON steps up fight against pay cuts
International socialist news and analysis
Venezuela: Will the trade unions give up their independence?
Bush's man at the World Bank in corruption scandal
Socialist Party news and analysis
Blockading Britain's warhead factory
Fighting for the right to walk in the countryside
Cuts reduce advice for the people who most need help
Bank that only serves the rich
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