NUJ conference

Journalists met for their union's Annual Delegate Meeting (ADM) as the first national newspaper strike in decades took place in Preston and London. This was for improved pay at the Express. Owner Dirty Desmond apparently voiced hopes it would rain on the pickets!

Christian Bunke, Manchester NUJ

Unlike scrooge Des, the weather smiled on NUJ members who strike again on 11 April.

Reports to the conference from Wales showed success in developing understanding about the union amongst journalists while rebuilding union structures based on lay activists. Local disputes and the Express strikes show the potential and need to continue this across the NUJ.

In contrast, the leadership proposed several cost-cutting motions, including electronic voting and fewer ADM delegates.

Heavily criticised and generally defeated, such proposals left delegates with the impression that this leadership lacks any positive strategy.

As many argued, including Socialist Party members, the deputy general secretary contest needs to begin a debate in the ranks, via election hustings, about the way forward for the NUJ.