John Fray at NUJ annual conference

NUJ deputy General Secretary, gives his last speech to the NUJ's annual conference.
John Fray speech to NUJ ADM 2008
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John Fray

Our Deputy General Secretary, John will soon be retiring from the NUJ. It's going to be sad to see him go - a great trade unionist, colleague and friend.

Alan Johnston at the NUJ annual conference

Alan Johnston's speech to the National Union of Journalists Annual Delegate Meeting, Belfast, 5 April 2008.

A bird in the hand

Yesterday was busy. A personal case in the morning, followed by a members meeting at ITN. There is an annual ritual at ITN that involves the company proposing horrible things just before Christmas, usually ensuring an anxious time for members with honours even at the end. This time there was a twist; yes deadly things are planned - working all the weekends, abolishing the meal allowance for staff on the road, you know the sort of thing. What was unusual was that they offered a two year deal. Year one - pay rise for all of 4.3%. Year two, inflation, providing the Unions enter talks over said horrible nasties, thereby postponing any potential conflict till April of next year. In the scheme of things, grief tomorrow is generally better than pain today. The members voted to accept. This was followed by negotiations with the NUJ over our staff pension. Talks continue, happy Christmas.

What are you doing on November 5th?

Wherever you are, whatever you're up to, don't forget to "Stand Up for Journalism".
Unless you took your summer holiday on Mars, NUJ members will know that November 5th is a union-wide day of action. The idea has already gained international backing.
The aim is to build support for quality journalism and improve pay and conditions within the industry.
Exactly how you "Stand up For Journalism" is up to you and your chapel. A range of campaign materials have been made available. To find out more visit the campaign website at http://www.standupforjournalism.org.uk/

We really want to hear what broadcasting members are up to so don't forget to tell us here or email me at kateca@nuj.org.uk

old world/new world

Laura and I met Jemima Kiss , a journalist who knows more than can be found on a postage stamp about new developments in technology. We learned a thing or two, as well, by the way. For example, Jemima's dog is called Mabel and is currently engaged in mortal combat on puppywar .

Meanwhile ITV retaliates; not to be outdone by "Queengate" they come up with their own version in the fake TV row.

It's not easy being green

Summer has temporarily arrived and the plants on the NUJ's patio are thriving. Next year we plan to grow veg in an attempt to become self-sufficient. The drive to go green has also led to new recycling bins and extra crockery to stamp out the use of plastic spoons. Meanwhile over at the BBC, environmental friendliness has been moving up the agenda. Ironically though, this month's regular campaign to promote green issues focused on saving water...

In the office

The reason we look so happy is because we are filing.