Increase needed to raise funds
The membership subscription rates for the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) are set to rise up to 15p a week, after a decision taken at the union’s Annual Delegate Meeting.
The National Executive Committee proposed the motion with Chris Frost speaking for it. Although there was opposition, the vote passed unanimously. An amendment from the BBC World Service asking for a smaller increase for Grade 3 members fell.
The changes, which will be introduced from 1 March 2010, are as follows:
- Grade 1 – 8p/€0.08 per week
- Grade 2 – 12p/€0.12 per week
- Grade 3 – 15p/€0.15 per week
This will be the first increase in subscription for three years. Over the course of the year it equates to an increase of £4-9.
Challenge
Frost, Chair of the Finance Committee, told delegates that a “two pronged approach” was needed to save the union’s revenue. The first was the passing of Motion 1 yesterday – ADMs will now meet every 18 months.
The second came with the passing of Motion 54.
The BBC World Service’s amendment would have seen Grade 3 members also pay 12p extra per week. They argued that Grade 3 members who were earning less than Grade 2 would be paying more for their membership. In the end however, they were the only branch to vote for the amendment.
Withdrawn
The NEC withdrew Motion 55, which would have seen sterling subscription rates increasing each year at either 3% or the rate of RPI, whichever is lower.
In a statement released this decision was put down to the current economic climate.
The NEC wrote: “In the current economic climate we recognise this will be tough for members. Tougher still will be having to tell members we cannot provide the support they need or deserve. Recognising that difficulty – the NEC will seek permission to withdraw Motion 55 and work with members to build the union as the best response to the current climate.”
