The NUJ ADM conference is to be held at least every 18 months after the controversial Motion 1 was passed without amendment in a debate that centred on the democratic future of the union.

National Union of Journalists General Secretary, Jeremy Dear, spoke first.

Describing the union’s current financial situation, he said that, unabated, the current loss of funds could escalate to 600,000 by 2015.

He spoke against fears that a longer interval between meetings would “impoverish democracy”.

“Staff are taking paycuts, we’re renting out half of our headquarters – how else can we make these cuts? Do we cut back on support for jorunalists? This motion would save 195,000, please support it,” he said.

Democracy

The debate reflected the difficult choices faced by the union - stressing the need for members to meet face to face and for rules to be passed regularly. Alan Gibson of London Magazine branch said:

“The idea that six months is neither here nore there is ridiculous. If we’d met at conference 6 months ago we’d be six months ahead in solving  the financial crisis. It’s important that we meet every year for this reason.”

Francis Becket of London Freelancers retorted by  pointing to the financial drain caused by conferences:

“If we had one six months ago we’d be spending more money. ADMs are about spending money not saving it. The strength of this union is that it is a strong demcoracry and it can survive for 2 years without an ADM.”

The middle ground was sought by Chris Frost of the NEC, who spoke to the practicalities of saving money, laying out the options available to the union.

He said: “No one is disputing that we need to save money and no one is disputing that this measure would save money.  We must have that money or are union would be damaged.”