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The NUJ Annual Delegates Meeting in Southport this weekend was, for me, nothing short of a baptism of fire. Having turned my back on my 25 years’ worth of experience in the corporate world, I returned to university to study photography two years ago.
The world of IT is not known for embracing a union mentality or culture. In fact, there are…erm…none. Presumably because – let’s face it – the pay and conditions are pretty damn good already! Or, maybe due to the fact there is a widely shared opinion that the more they reward employees, the harder they work and the harder they work, the ‘luckier’ they get? Or they are an oppressed and silenced bunch, forced to drive around in BMWs and holiday in Dubai. Who knows?
So, hard as it is to believe, this was my first contact with any form of union outpouring during my 44 years on the planet; having been asked to be part of the student team reporting the conference ‘live and kicking’.
And, KICKING it was. The passion displayed by the members, delegates, speakers, students and execs was all-consuming and hedonistically intoxicating. I can’t remember seeing anyone in IT speaking so animatedly about ‘disaster recovery software’ or ‘enterprise software systems’ at a conference.
Another thing that struck me was the camaraderie and the willingness of the members to help out us [relatively] journalistic virgins. People came to our bunker and sought out individuals to give a word of praise, encouragement or constructive feedback as well as being on hand to be commandeered themselves for interviews and/or advice.
Although it is tempting to look down on anyone even marginally right of centre as a waste of space, there are some aspects I experience in corporateland that could be welcomed. Like the ability to take the piss out of ourselves without it turning into an international incident.
Loud and sweary - (C) damianjozwik.com
Uproar occurred when one of the students twittered that an impassioned speech by the wonderful Eamonn McCann was ‘loud’ (it was) and that he was expecting him to say “Feck” and “Gin” next – an obvious reference to the much-missed and fondly remembered Father Ted comedy show. This was FUNNY and, obviously, a personal opinion!! (see blogged criticism – opens new window)
By adopting an outraged approach to the tweet, which is, by its very nature, off the cuff, are we not trying to censorship free speech; the very thing we spend most of an ADM trying fiercely to protect? Could we not just loosen up sometimes and remember just how short life is (watching my father die made me realise this) or am I being exceptionally naive? NEC member Niall Hunt blogged on this too – link opens new window.
All that said, I have definitely made new friends and will relish future debates we will undoubtedly have whilst knowing that we share a mutual respect for each other, regardless of our differing views and divided opinions.
I have also resolved to become a more active member of the NUJ in my college – we need to recruit, recruit, recruit; especially the new, young blood.
My desire for a bit more light-heartedness may be simplistic but forgive me; I have been in IT….although please don’t tell my Mother I was in IT – she thought I played the piano in a French whorehouse.
Annual Reports were proposed and seconded by the ADM and the debate began with a heavily contested amendment to motions 57, also covering motion 58.
For motions 57 and 58, the Equality Council proposed steps to take in order to address the gender imbalance present in NUJ elected council positions.
Bristol branch’s amendment created controversy with eight delegates speaking against the amendment and six for. The amendment challenged the wording of the motion which suggested a quota to create gender-balanced nominations for councils and delegations.
Areas of confusion derived from the anxiety that if only male members stand in some branches, they will not be appreciated by wider councils. Mindy Ran wanted to make a point of order in the midst of voting. In order for the point of order to be passed, it had to be agreed by conference. ADM was divided about allowing this, a challenge to the Chair followed, Mindy Ran was allowed to speak. However, after scrutinising, 70 delegates voted for the amendment and 42 against.
The Equality Council then tried to withdraw the motion completely, arguing that with the amendment the motion was useless. Conference objected and did not allow this withdrawal. They voted in favour of the motion as amended.
Motion 59 proposed by Irish Executive Council urged a review of all councils to identify ways to cut costs and improve efficiency. The motion was passed but stressed it is simply putting the review on the agenda and does not know what the outcome might be.
Bristol and East Yorkshire branches brought attention to missing minutes and records of decision making bodies within the NUJ on its website. The 2006 ADM instructed the NEC to make minutes available on the website but hasn’t followed through with all records. The NEC apologised. It said some records were missing but they are dealing with the situation and a remission was accepted.
Despite arguing that it is good quality for money, Motion 63 by Portsmouth branch to elect an over-60 NEC member was not passed by conference.
The New Media Council proposed a motion to gain representation on the Irish Executive Council and vice versa. This motion fell.
With Motion 65, Wales Executive Council instructed the NEC to bring forward rule changes so that Wales can have more representation across the union’s bodies. This motion derives from the fact that there is a Wales representative on some councils but not all and is very confusing. The NEC stepped forward to suggest a remission which was accepted by the Wales Executive Council.
Motions 66 and 67 actually proposed actions to save the union money and were barely contested. The former called for reducing the Ethics Council to only twelve members and the Disabled Members Council to seven members.
Chair and President James Doherty decided to take a break after motion 67 to continue with the standing orders for Organisation at a later time. It is the only section of the ADM which has gone over time.
“Am I any good as a dead hero or a living coward?”
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