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Report of Irish Secretary

To Biennial Delegate

Conference 2017

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1 Introduction: As 2017 draws to a close the NUJ has many reasons to celebrate.

1.1 Since DM 2015 we have had a number of significant achievements and continued to deliver

results across the country.

1.2 As a union we are entitled to take satisfaction from the delivery of legislative change and in

our ability to influence government and wider trade union policy on issues which impact on

the lives of our members.

1.3 Once again we have secured improvements in terms and conditions of employment; a

reversal in pay cuts, pay restoration in some companies and a landmark campaign on

pensions, along with significant progress in some companies where we are already

organised.

1.4 In the face of a continuing crisis in the print and broadcasting sectors much of our resources

have been directed at seeking to curb the activities of companies as they seek to impose

draconian measures in order to reduce costs.

1.5 The relentless cuts in editorial resources and the refusal to invest in journalism pose a major

threat to the future of professional journalism in Ireland, North and South.

1.6 The theme of BDC 2015 “Valuing Journalism” reflects our emphasis on defending journalists

and journalism. Journalism has a value and those who work in the print, broadcasting or

digital sectors are more than simply content providers.

1.7 At so many levels journalism has been devalued. We need, as the voice of journalism, to

stand up against those who view news and those who create it, as a mere commodity to be

exploited for maximum profit, with little regard for standards.

1.8 We also need to renew our commitment to legislative reforms which values journalism in a

diverse media market.

1.9 In the workplace we must also try to improve the terms and conditions and to reverse the

slide towards precarious employment.

1.10 After two decades we succeeded in forcing the restoration of collective representational and

bargaining rights for freelance workers.

1.11 Redoubling our efforts to recruit freelance journalists is an imperative if we are to retain our

relevance. Having secured the right to represent freelance workers collectively we now face

the daunting task of regaining our collective strength.

1.12 If the past two years have given us cause to celebrate we also have grounds for serious

concern about declining membership, disappointing levels of inactivity by our largest

branches and a worrying failure to recruit in key industrial sectors.

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1.13 BDC provides the opportunity to reflect on our achievements, to draw inspiration from our

successes and to identify the shortcomings and failures which impede our development.

1.14 Operating in an extremely hostile environment, politically, economically and legislatively,

the NUJ must acknowledge the enormous organisational challenges which confront us if we

are to survive as an effective trade union defending Irish journalists and journalism.

1.15 Two years ago I noted that external factors, including changes in media ownership and

control; redundancies; mergers; and technological change have had a negative impact at

chapel and branch level in Ireland.

1.16 Regrettably this trend has continued. The decline in membership reflects a decline in

newspaper circulation, accompanied by enforced redundancies and retirements and

relentless cuts in editorial budgets across all sectors.

1.17 Chapel officers have not been immune to the impact of cutbacks and we have lost a number

of key activists through voluntary redundancy and early retirement programmes while

remaining activists find it increasingly difficult to devote time to union duties.

1.18 An analysis of membership trends In Ireland gives cause for concern. Without chapel

organisation it is difficult to recruit members and our greatness weakness lies in areas where

branches are also weakest.

1.19 We have achieved successes despite the ongoing failure to tackle branch inactivity in many

urban areas. My concerns in this regard underpin my report to BDC as they did my report in

2015.

1.20 Our ability to survive and develop depends on reforming creaking organisational structures

and to broaden our activist base.

1.21 Given what we have achieved in the face of adversity the NUJ is well placed to meet the

enormous challenges which confront our own union and the wider trade union movement, if

we can develop a new generation of union activists working in a spirit of social solidarity.

1.22 The report is intended as an overview rather than a comprehensive account of

developments in each area of activity. While reference is made to some branch activities not

all work undertaken at branch level is reflected in the report.

1.23 The period covered by the report was marked by significant changes in the Irish office.

1.24 Following the departure of Nicola Coleman as Irish Organiser in August 2016, Ian

McGuinness, Assistant Organiser, was appointed as Irish Organiser. Nicola developed strong

links with chapels throughout the country and Ian continues that work, building on his

knowledge and experience of the union as a former NUJ activist.

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1.25 The work of the full-time officials has been supplemented by part-time cover backed up by

lay activists.

1.26 The Irish Secretary has engaged the services of George Kiely and Mary Curtin and both have

provided back-up, especially in dealing with complex personal cases.

2 Acknowledgments

2.1 For much of 2017 the Irish Secretary served as Acting General Secretary as a consequence of

the General Secretary taking maternity leave. The IEC congratulated Michelle and Tim on the

birth of Nell.

2.2 Acting as General Secretary and serving across all jurisdictions provided an insight into the

wide variety of work carried out across the UK and Ireland at chapel, branch and national

level.

2.3 The Irish Secretary is grateful to all colleagues at Spencer House, Headland House and in the

Manchester and Glasgow offices for their co-operation and support. Thanks are due to

Evelyn, Helen, Laura, Lorna, Stuart, the Headland House finance and membership

department under Bernard Roche and all the union’s support staff who work behind the

scenes on behalf of members.

2.4 Prudent management of resources had seen an improvement in the overall financial position

of the union but external factors, including new legislation covering the funding of the UK

trade union certification officer and significant legal costs combined with loss in membership

in key areas threaten to undermine some of the progress made. In this context the

leadership of Michelle Stanistreet, supported by the NEC, in developing Headland House is

worthy of recognition.

2.5 In Roy Mincoff and Natasha Morris members are well served by our legal department. As

Legal and Equality Officer Natasha plays an important role in coordinating our newly

reinvigorated equality campaigns. The close cooperation between the Irish office and the

Campaigns & Communications Department is deserving of a special mention and thanks are

due to both Sarah and Frances.

2.6 In Northern Ireland members are fortunate to have the services of Thompsons NI, Belfast.

The retirement of John O’Neill marked the end of a link with our initial contact with

Thompson McClure and we wish John well.

2.7 In Ireland Bowler Geraghty are retained as legal advisors and Kieran O’Brien remains a

source of sound professional counsel. Legal advice provided by the union is governed by the

NUJ’s legal policy.

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2.8 The officers of the IEC worked closely with the Irish office. Special thanks are due to Gerry

Carson, (Job share Cathaoirleach) and Bernie Ní Fhlatharta, who combined her work as Job

share Leas Cathaoirleach with that of Editor of the Irish Journalist.

2.9 Branch and chapel officers are the backbone of the union and both officials at Spencer

House are grateful to all the activists who worked for the union over the past two years.

3 Organisation and Administration

3.1 The Irish Biennial Delegate Conference 2015, under the theme Journalism: Not Just Busin€ss

was held on November 7th in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin.

3.2 The keynote speakers were Patricia King, General Secretary, ICTU, Michelle Stanistreet,

General Secretary, and Adam Christie, President.

3.3 As part of the pre-conference programme Press Ombudsman Peter Feeney met the Ethics

Council to brief members on the PCI/Ombudsman system. The Council joined IEC members

at a meeting with Communications Minister Alex White and subsequently at a presentation

of life membership certificates in the historic setting of the GPO.

3.4 The support of An Post was greatly appreciated and the IEC acknowledges support of Dublin

branch and all other who contributed to meeting the cost of the showcase event.

3.5 Mr White also launched the Irish Refugee Council/NUJ Guide to reporting on asylum issues.

The following officers were elected: Cathaoirleach: Gerry Carson/Felicity McCall (J/S,

reserved seat, Northern Ireland); Leas Cathaoirleach: Bernie Ni Fhlatharta/Ann Healy,

(Freelance sector); Treasurer: Gerry Curran; IFJ Delegate: Ronan Brady.

4 Irish Office

4.1 As part of the union’s overall approach to maximising accommodation a review of the Irish

office is currently under way. Tenders have been sought for redesign of the office to

incorporate a meeting space which will be used for GPC meetings, small training workshops

and meetings.

5 Structures

5.1 As noted in my introduction the task of reforming our branch structures must be the priority

for the incoming IEC and, as Irish Secretary I will be proposing the merger of some Dublin

branches.

5.2 This has proved controversial in the past but attachment to structures which are not

operating effectively is a luxury we can no longer afford – especially since the prize is one

stronger, more cohesive branch.

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5.3 In 2015 the IEC accepted in principle the concept of an NUJ brand “NUJ Dublin” which was to

be used to promote recruitment and training in the greater Dublin area.

5.4 That idea did not bear fruit, depending as it did on the co-operation of four, functioning

branches.

5.5 Dublin (National Newspapers) branch has not met on a regular basis and attendance at

meetings of Dubin P&PR seldom extends beyond five members.

5.6 Dublin Broadcasting branch has struggled to survive but recently elected new officers to

assist Chair Emma O’Kelly.

5.7 The RTÉ sub branch continues to make progress. Under the leadership of Robert Shortt the

sub-branch got off to a strong start and newly elected chair Fran McNulty continues Robert’s

work at TUG level. Greater clarity is needed between the role of the branch and sub branch.

5.8 Dublin Freelance branch continued to host the Freelance Forum, with a range of diverse and

relevant speakers. Particular tribute should be paid to Ger Cunningham for his role in co-

ordinating the programme.

5.9 Outside of Dublin, the West of Ireland and Irish South West branches have worked hard,

seeking to improve attendances and maintaining links with local chapels.

5.10 On the initiative of Michael Fisher the Northern Standard chapel has been reviewed and

Michael has used his Monaghan base to help relaunch the Irish Eastern branch.

5.11 It is regrettable that despite strong NUJ presence and intense chapel activity the Cork branch

remains moribund and there is very little activity reported from Cork freelance branch.

5.12 This is in sharp contrast to Belfast and District branch and to Derry & North West branch,

which continue to meet regularly and are well represented in the structures of the union.

5.13 In any redrawing of boundaries attention must be paid to the Midlands, where efforts at

reforming a new branch proved fruitless.

5.14 It is worth noting that the low level of participation by Irish branches in DM 2016 resulted in

no Irish candidates being returned to DM elected posts where elections were held.

5.15 A study of the attendance at IEC meetings and General Purpose Committee meetings gives

causes for concern over the representative nature of the Council. The officers worked

extremely hard but the failure of some members to participate fully rendered both bodies

less effective than they might be.

5.16 Once again I would urge greater participation by all members, including ex officio members,

the link between the IEC and the union’s wider democratic structures.

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5.17 It is appropriate to thank former president and NEC member Barry McCall who has been a

consistent source of advice and encouragement to the Irish office.

5.18 Activists at chapel, branch and IEC level find it increasingly difficult to secure time off for

union activities. The over-reliance on retired or semi-retired members is a source of concern

and I recognise that an energetic drive will be needed to reverse the trend.

6 Recruitment and Membership

6.1 We need to adopt a strategic approach to recruitment and retention of members.

6.2 In 2016 the Irish Organiser and Assistant Organiser were tasked with mapping chapels.

6.3 It proved to be successful in some areas but the strategic organising and recruitment

campaign devised by the then Irish Organiser was not as successful as we would have

wished. Retention remains a key difficulty.

6.4 Where we have recruited members it has been against a backdrop of threatened

redundancies, closures and pay cuts, with a marked increase in lapsed and non-members

seeking assistance.

6.5 We still have relatively high density in key national titles but the relentless austerity

campaign within INM has had devastating consequences.

7 Retired Members

7.1 Brian Trench was elected to the Senior Citizens Parliament.

7.2 It is fair to say that our engagement with the SCP proved disappointing and frustrating and

we decided to review our ongoing relationship with the Parliament.

7.3 As noted the life membership presentation ceremony held in the GPO was an outstanding

success.

7.4 In 2018 it is hoped to hold an open forum for retired members to discuss how best to

engage with Retired members. Since the wind-up of the Retired Members Committee there

is no platform for retired members to express their views.

7.5 The committee had become a social network and if there are newly retired members

willingly to undertake work previously carried out under the baton of Jim Eadie and Rosaline

Kelly the Irish office will offer practical support and assistance.

8 Training and Development

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8.1 IR Training: Due to workload it has only been possible to hold one reps’ training course,

attended by 10 members, in the period under review.

8.2 The Irish Secretary has confirmed arrangements with the General Secretary for the provision

of IR training in early 2018 by Caroline Holmes, NUJ TU Trainer who will deliver bespoke IR

training with a module aimed at Irish members provided by the Irish Secretary and Irish

Organiser.

8.3 There were three reps’ training courses, attended by 38 members in the period between the

2013 and 2015 BDCs and with a new group of chapel activists emerging the new course will

be very welcome.

8.4 Freelance Forum: Dublin Freelance branch continues to host the Freelance forum. The

sponsorship of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, through small grant funding, has been

beneficial. Inclement weather forced postponement of the second session of 2017.

Among the topics covered over the past two years were What Editors Want, How to Get

Ahead in Public Relations, Getting On Air with Stephen Jordan, Social Media For Journalists

and Podcasting.

8.5 Google: As part of a union wide training initiative a Google training event was held in Dublin

in September 25th. The assistance of Sarah Kavanagh and Natasha Morris in co-ordinating

the event is acknowledged. The response was overwhelmingly positive and it is hoped to

hold further courses in 2018. The General Secretary had spearheaded the initiative as part of

a wider attempt at developing short professional courses. Google training was also held in

Belfast during the period under review.

8.6 Internal Communications: The NUJ in Ireland has had extreme difficulty in maintaining an

internal publication but through the work of Bernie Ní Fhlatharta and Brendan Carroll of

West of Ireland branch we introduced a new online edition which has improved the flow of

information between members.

8.7 The experiment of digitally printed copies for branches for DM2015 was unsuccessful so we

have decided to stick with the online format.

8.8 Once again full time officials have provided the main copy and if the newsletter is to

continue greater and more timely contributions are required. Bernie and Brendan deserve

credit for all their work but especially on the DM edition.

8.9 The Irish Executive Council expressed concern in 2015 at the low level of Irish coverage in

The Journalist and I am pleased to report a significant increase in Irish stories.

Irish branches can play their part by engaging not just with the Journalist but with the

Campaigns and Communications Department.

8.10 NUJ Active has been used extensively – and successfully – to promote events in Ireland by

the Irish office but branches are still failing to use the platform to maximum advantage. The

union also uses Twitter to good effect.

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8.11 External Communications: The NUJ continues to maintain a high media profile in Ireland,

North and South. We have taken public positions on a range of media freedom issues

including media ownership; threats to journalists; the protection of sources; the closure of

newspapers and a range of national and international issues.

8.12 In November 2017 the union shaped the news agenda in relation to gender pay in RTÉ and

on bogus self-employed contracts.

8.13 The campaign against the INM pension scheme received extensive coverage.

8.14 The issue of media ownership, in particular, concentration of ownership, received coverage

throughout 2017 with the NUJ position on the Celtic Media takeover being the subject of

national and UK media commentary.

9 Policy and Professional Matters

9.1 Media Ownership and Control: The issue of media ownership and control has again

featured widely in public discourse. The collapsed bid by INM to acquire the Celtic Media

Group once again helped focus attention on the influence of Communicorp and majority

INM shareholder Denis O’Brien.

9.2 The NUJ objection forced a BAI investigation and an Oireachtas hearing which we used to

highlight wider issues of plurality and media diversity.

The union succeeded in using the merger guidelines, published in May 2015 despite the

obvious reluctance of Communications Minister Denis Naughten to intervene and the initial

unsatisfactory response to the application by the Competition and Consumer Protection

Commission.

9.3 The IEC has used every opportunity to highlight the need for a wider debate on media

ownership and control in Ireland and on the need for a commission on the future of the

media in Ireland.

9.4 The Irish Secretary was a member of the external expert panel which prepared a report on

media diversity in Ireland for the EU funded Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM) in Ireland.

9.5 The report placed Ireland in the high risk category arising from the issues of media

dominance in Ireland. IS was interviewed on the RTÉ This Week programme and took part in

a keynote debate in the University of Limerick on the issue of media ownership and control.

The full report is available on: http://monitor.cmpf.eui.eu/mpm2015/results/ireland

9.6 At this stage the Irish Secretary is suggesting to the IEC that the union consider hosting its

own seminars on the future of the media in Ireland.

10 Protection of sources: The issue of confidentiality of sources has been high on the agenda

for much of the period under review and on 15th November 2017 the Irish Secretary gave

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evidence to the Select Committee on Justice as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the new

data retention bill.

10.1 In January 2016 the Irish Secretary and former president Barry McCall met Judge Mary Ellen

Ring, GSOC Chairperson, Ms Carmel Foley and Mr Kieran Fitzgerald to highlight the concerns

of NUJ members and to seek clarity on the procedures used by the Commission following

revelations that GSOC had accessed mobile phone data of journalists. The union also met

the then Justice Minister for Justice to highlight the need for clarity and greater protection

for journalists.

10.2 She subsequently appointed retired Chief Justice John Murray to review the legislation

governing the access of the phone records of journalists. The union made a detailed

submission and the review reflected many of the union’s concerns.

10.3 The new legislation ignores the recommendations contained in the Murray Review, a source

of considerable concern to the NUJ highlighted in the submission to the Oireachtas

committee.

11 Press Council of Ireland: The NUJ continues to play an important role in the Press Council of

Ireland. A new Chair, Sean Donlon, joined the PCI in September 2016,

11.1 Deaglán de Bréadún was re-nominated as NUJ representative for a second term in

November 2016. The Irish Secretary serves on the Code committee and on the Finance and

Administrative committee, with Martin Fitzpatrick serving as substitute representative on

the latter.

11.2 Gerry Carson, Cathaoirleach, and Séamus Dooley, Irish Secretary represented the NUJ at the

launch of the PCI annual report last year.

11.3 The Cathaoirleach in a brief intervention defended the role of press and information officers,

challenging a sweeping generalisation by Mr Greenslade.

11.4 The Irish Secretary challenged the NNI, now NewsBrands Ireland, on the credibility of their

defamation reform campaign in the context of the high level of defamation cases being

taken by Denis O’Brien, the dominant shareholder in the largest media group in the country.

He suggested that a commitment be sought from Mr O’Brien to use, in the first instance, the

offices of the Press Council and the Ombudsman. His remarks were unreported.

12 Media Access: There have been persistent complaints at Derry North West, Belfast and Irish

Eastern branches concerning the accreditation procedures of the GAA which excludes

legitimate reporters and photographers.

12.1 The Irish Secretary is proposing an IEC working group to discuss press accreditation and

press card recognition, to report back not later than April 2018.

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13 President of Ireland Ethics Initiative: Gerry Carson, Cathaoirleach, IEC and the Irish

Secretary attended the formal 2016 launch of the report on the Ethics Initiative which ICTU

and NUJ supported in 2015.

13.1 The report is available on www.president.ie. In his address the President placed strong

emphasis on employment rights and the need for ethical values in the workplace.

14 Veronica Guerin: 26th June, 2016 marked the 20th anniversary of the murder of Veronica Guerin. The Irish Secretary attended the event hosted by INM and the Guerin family. 14.1 The IEC re-issued the Guerin Principles adopted in October 1996 as a tribute to Veronica. The Guerin Principles are:

The existence of a fair, free and independent media is essential to democracy.

The state must ensure that a constitutional and legislative environment exists to facilitate freedom of expression and free media.

Media organisations must continue to provide the resources necessary for investigative journalism.

Media organisations must ensure that workers are given the maximum protection in the pursuit of their duties.

Media workers resolve to resist any attempt at intimidation in whatever form and from whatever quarter.

14.2 The principles were agreed by the NUJ, the Association of Independent Radio Stations, the National Newspapers of Ireland and the Provincial Newspapers Association of Ireland. 15 Martin O’Hagan: The union marked the anniversary of the murder of Martin O’Hagan in both 2016 and 2017 highlighting the failure of the PSNI to secure a conviction for his killing. 15.1 In 2017 the Irish Secretary called for an independent international panel to carry out an investigation, since it is clear that no UK force could credibly do so. 15.2 Belfast and District branch has been to the fore in highlighting the case. The lack of progress is deeply frustrating for the family, friends and colleagues of Martin O’Hagan, given the widespread belief that the identity of those responsible for his murder is believed to be known to the PSNI. 16 Conferences on Ownership: The Irish Secretary was one of the keynote speakers at the opening session of a one day seminar on media ownership, control and diversity hosted by Nessa Childers MEP in June 2016 in the Radisson Hotel, Dublin. 16.1 The opening panel discussion was chaired by Brian Hayes MEP and also included Renate Schroeder, Co-Director of the EFJ. 16.2 As the seminar coincided with the ILO General Assembly he also referred to the position of freelance workers and the complaint being taken before the ILO against the Irish government. 16.3 The Irish Secretary also spoke at the University of Limerick seminar, “Journalism in Times of Crisis”, chaired by Brian Dobson on 7th April 2016, also dealing with media ownership and the need for a commission on the future of the media in Ireland.

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16.4 Irish Secretary used the opportunity to call on UL to withdraw libel action against the Limerick Leader and the newspaper editor Alan English. 16.5 The action was subsequently withdrawn and the action of the university has been strongly criticised. 16.6 The NUJ received no response from the governors of UL to our representations. 17 OSCE: In May 2016 the Irish Secretary was invited to address an OSCE seminar in Kiev through Jeremy Dear, Deputy General Secretary, IFJ. 17.1 The theme of the seminar was MEDIA IN RECONCILIATION: LESSONS LEARNED FOR UKRAINE He was unable to attend and nominated Dan Keenan, formerly of The Irish Times to take part on the panel discussion, based on his vast experience of covering the conflict and attempts at conflict resolution in Northern Ireland. His contribution was widely acclaimed. 18 Leech verdict: In 2016 the Union welcomed the determination of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that the Supreme Court’s €1.25m award in the Monica Leech defamation case was disproportionate and that it breached the Independent News and Media’s freedom of expression. 18.1 The case concerned the action taken by communications consultant Monica Leech over a story about a burglary at her home almost 12 years ago. 18.2 The case underlined the need for libel reform in Ireland. 19 Broadcasting Seminar: NUJ members led by Acting General Secretary attended the inaugural hearing of the Oireachtas Communications committee review on public service broadcasting on July 7th. The round table discussion lacked any serious analysis and the format was superficial and gimmicky. 19.1 There has been no meaningful engagement either with the Committee or the Minister for Communications, who has yet to respond to a request for a meeting with the NUJ to discuss media ownership. 20 Reporting Poverty: The NUJ supported the European Anti-Poverty Network seminar in Dublin in 2017. Rachel Broady represented the NUJ and made a well-received presentation on the branch’s Reporting Poverty Initiative. Michael Foley, Ethics Council, attended a similar event in October 2016 on the reporting of homelessness hosted by the Peter McVerry Trust. 21 Year of Commemoration: The Irish Secretary, Treasurer and IFJ Delegate met

representatives of the French Embassy in January 2016 to discuss a proposed exhibition

celebrating the role of cartoons in history.

21.1 The Irish Secretary subsequently facilitated the opening of the exhibition by the General

Secretary of the IFJ and also spoke at a reception in Alliance Française, Dublin in October

2016 when the global cartoon exhibition “Drawing Freely” went on display.

21.2 He used the opportunity to highlight the need for reform of Ireland’s blasphemy laws, as

well as highlighting global threats to journalism.

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22 Wages, Payments and Conditions

22.1 Pay claims and pay restoration: It has been an unsatisfactory period for workers in the

media. The apparent improvement in the economy has not been reflected in the media

industry and the print sector is in crisis.

22.2 While employers still either claimed inability to pay or claimed they hadn’t recovered fully

from the recession and credit crunch, there were some notable exceptions.

22.3 The Irish Medical Times and MIMS Ireland staff won a backdated two per cent pay increase

last year and are submitting another for this year.

22.4 In late 2017, as the report goes to print, the situation is looking somewhat more hopeful,

with pay claims being lodged in The Irish News, Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, Alpha

Newspapers, Johnston Press NI (including The Newsletter, Mortons and Derry Journal) and

Galway Bay FM. The Irish News has conceded that it will pay something, although has not

said what and Johnston Press is expected to give at least one per cent.

22.5 During the two years since the last BDC there was also pay grade restructuring at Johnston

Press NI and Alpha Newspapers. In addition, an increase in basic pay was also won at the

Derry News.

22.6 In national newspapers the Irish Examiner online and BreakingNews.ie journalists will be

brought up to the level of the lowest paid journalists working in the hard copy editions.

22.7 In order to try to squeeze more from reluctant companies, the NUJ has tried to get

concessions on Christmas bonuses (including vouchers), pension contributions, expenses

and mileage, and additional public or annual leave entitlements. In constrained financial

circumstances it is not as simple as lodging stand-alone pay claims.

22.8 During the period the Clare Champion chapel was successful in getting five per cent pay

restoration, while other employers such as Celtic Media (owner of the Anglo-Celt,

Connaught Telegraph, Westmeath Examiner, Westmeath Independent, and Meath

Chronicle) resisted pay restoration, while the Clare Champion resisted a pay claim from the

chapel there.

22.9 RTE: The issue of gender pay and inequality was brought to the fore in Autumn 2017 with

the publication of an independent review by former WRC Chief Executive Kieran Mulvey.

22.10 The report was inadequate because the review dealt only with workers engaged on

contracts of services. Employees were not therefore compared with contracts on so called

talent contracts and the review did not look at the issue of bogus self-employed contracts.

Trade unions were not consulted on the Terms of Reference, which restricted Mr Mulvey’s

report. His recommendations in relation to transparency and consistency are to be

welcomed and the RTÉ Group of Unions must now focus on dealing with issues not tackled

in his report.

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22.11 The NUJ welcomed the decision of RTÉ to review contracts of employment. RTÉ engaged

workers on a range of contracts and we have long believed that many of the contracts are

inappropriate.

22.12 Mr Mulvey highlighted the lack of diversity within RTÉ, something highlighted by the NUJ

and SIPTU in January 2016, when the Chair of RTÉ sub branch and Irish Secretary attended a

meeting with the Managing Director, Corporate Development to discuss the organisation’s

ongoing work on promoting diversity.

22.13 The Irish Times: The Irish Secretary, in his capacity as Vice Chair, Dublin Printing Group of

Unions led negotiations with management on the DPGU claim for 6% phased pay restoration

at The Irish Times.

22.14 The Irish Secretary and FoC Barry O’Halloran formed part of a joint union working party

which commissioned an independent assessment of the company’s ability to restore pay

cuts.

22.15 Following receipt of the report it was agreed to continue engagement but both parties

accepted that full pay restoration is not sustainable at this time.

22.16 The work of Barry O’Halloran and John Cassidy in leading complex restructuring talks is

acknowledged. While there were changes in work practices and the voluntary severance

scheme the programme also included the awarding of permanent employment contracts.

22.17 Independent Newspapers: Management pre-empted union negotiations by introducing an

across the board 1% pay increase in 2016 and introduced a voluntary redundancy

programme.

22.18 The key development in Independent Newspapers Ltd was the unilateral attempt to close

the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. The NUJ led a high profile campaign culminating in a

protest at the EGM of the company and a campaign supported by ICTU which helped put

pensions at the forefront of political discourse.

22.19 As part of the campaign the NUJ secured a debate in Seanad Eireann.

22.20 The Irish Secretary secured all-party support for pension reform, through direct intervention

with party leaders. Patricia King, General Secretary, ICTU and the Irish Secretary met then

Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar and emphasised the importance of such reform.

22.21 The Irish Secretary also met the Chairman of the Pensions Authority David Begg who, with

Patricia King, was extremely supportive.

22.22 Credit is also due to trustee Charlie Weston for his work as a trustee in securing payments

for scheme members.

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22.23 The campaign mobilised members and showed the benefit of political lobbying and

co-operation with sister unions.

22.24 Pensions: There were other high profile attempts to disengage from DB schemes, such as

that which happened at INM.

Another DB scheme was closed down at the Irish Examiner/Evening Echo. The difference

here was that there was funding of 125% of this scheme and the company (which was

profitable but heavily in debt to banks) decided to shut the scheme down in case the level of

funding of the scheme fell.

22.25 Elsewhere, inferior pensions (together with the contracts that accompanied them) were

forced on staff at the Impartial Reporter by NewsQuest.

22.26 On the flip side of the coin, the DC pension scheme at Metropolis-owned Irish Medical Times

and MIMS Ireland, was expanded to allow new staff to join. Up to that point there was an

inferior scheme open to new joiners. Problems with pensions at the Down Recorder were

also sorted out.

22.27 Contracts: RTÉ is not the only employer issuing self-employed, casual or fixed term/fixed

purpose contracts to reduce their payroll costs and ensure employees do not accrue the

entitlements that come with having a contract of indefinite duration.

22.28 The Irish Daily Mail, for example, continues to have a significant number of casual and self-

employed contracts. Yet again the NUJ found itself in conflict with the employer about it not

giving casual employees annual leave entitlements.

The Mail is just one media organisation guilty of this practice.

22.29 Throughout the industry there is significant abuse of these type of contracts and there is a

need for Government to embark on an industry wide review.

22.30 As noted there has been good news for the online journalists in the Irish Examiner, who

were given contracts of indefinite duration after the NUJ intervened over repeated issuing of

fixed term contracts.

22.31 Redundancies: While Irish journalists still have not suffered as much as their colleagues in

Britain in terms of redundancies, there were still quite a few redundancies over the past two

years.

22.32 The NUJ resists compulsory redundancies, tries to ensure only volunteers go, and that the

payments are enhanced. This is only usually possible where there is a strong chapel.

22.33 There have been two VR processes at Johnston Press NI (The Newsletter, Mortons and Derry

Journal), one of which is still ongoing. The latest cuts there could take up to eight whole time

equivalent journalists out of newsrooms. Also in the north, Q Radio closed its Ballymena

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office, making two journalists redundant, while the Down Recorder made its only two staff

photographers redundant.

22.34 The Irish Daily Star also enforced some redundancies. Meanwhile a long, drawn out

redundancy process is still underway at FM104/Q102, which involves this very profitable

NewsCorp company shedding four WTE journalist posts.

22.35 The most recent announcement came when Iconic Newspapers announced it was gutting its

Donegal Democrat newsroom with three redundancies.

22.36 Elsewhere, after Landmark decided to offload them, the Wexford Echo titles (Wexford, New

Ross, Gorey and Enniscorthy) were put into liquidation. A similar fate awaited the journalists

in publications of the Observer Newspaper NI Group, when it ceased trading in 2017.

22.37 Seven self-employed online journalists were also let go in 2017 from The Irish News when it

decided to restructure its online strategy. They weren’t entitled to redundancy pay as they

were not employees.

23 Competition Amendment Act 2017: The President of Ireland signed legislation into law in

June 2017 bringing to a successful conclusion a campaign spanning two decades. The

legislation finally provides a mechanism for allowing freelance workers to be represented

collectively by trade unions.

23.1 The fact that the bill, sponsored by Senator Ivana Bacik, Labour, won cross-party support in

the Dáil and Seanad was especially significant and arose from an effective campaign by the

NUJ and SIPTU, supported by the ICTU.

23.2 The unions succeeded in securing the support of then Enterprise Minister Mary Mitchell

O’Connor for the Bill and her supportive interventions in both the Dáil and Seanad were

important.

23.3 NUJ and SIPTU jointly hosted a reception to mark the passage of the bill and to acknowledge

the support of the sponsor, Senator Bacik, who had advised the NUJ as a barrister when the

threat of Competition Authority action against freelance collective agreements first

emerged.

23.4 Following passage of the bill, Labour leader Brendan Howlin held an informal reception in

Leinster House.

23.5 Initial discussions have taken place between SIPTU and the NUJ on joint initiatives aimed at

recruiting freelance workers, a priority identified in a motion passed at the ICTU BDC on 4th

July 2017.

23.6 It would be difficult to overstate the significance of the new legislation and at international

level the undermining of competition law which restricts workers has been the subject of

favourable comment.

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23.7 The NUJ should acknowledge the contribution of Esther Lynch, ETUC and Patricia King,

General Secretary, ICTU for their steadfast support throughout our campaign. It was a long,

difficult campaign but the result showed the benefit of perseverance.

24 Recognition and House Agreements: The Irish Medical Times and MIMS Ireland, already had

a house agreement but the company eventually also agreed to restart collective talks on pay

and all other matters again last year, after initially claiming it did not have to do so.

24.1 At present talks are underway to revamp the 2003 Belfast Telegraph/Sunday Life agreement

and The Irish News and Johnston Press NI have been put on notice that we will begin house

agreement talks soon. Surprisingly, there has never been a house agreement in living

memory at The Irish News, despite it collectively negotiating with the NUJ. Elsewhere, the

1979 Irish Examiner/Evening Echo house agreement is also to be revamped.

24.2 However, despite the recent positive developments, there have been mixed fortunes in

terms of house agreements and trade union recognition. The Irish Daily Mail and NewsCorp

continue to refuse to engage with the union, although recent legislation could offer the NUJ

hope on this front.

24.3 Also, attempts to negotiate a house agreement at Celtic Media and the Impartial Reporter

have been stymied by management there.

25 Workload and stress: Redundancies, non-replacement of vacated posts, social media and

other factors have all combined to send stress levels in newsrooms through the roof. Most

employers either pay lip service to their duty of care or simply display indifference to their

obligations.

25.1 In some instances journalists have also been told to cover work of receptionists who have

been made redundant, including answering phones, dealing with customers at front

counters and even taking small ads.

25.2 There are examples of employers expecting journalists to take part in a rota to clean the

offices after cleaning staff were let go.

25.3 In such instances the NUJ Irish Office advised its members to refuse to do this work because

– as well as adding extra stress to them, and not getting paid for doing these tasks – it was

depriving other workers of employment.

25.4 In recent months, plans have been put in place to conduct health and safety audits in a

number of media organisations north and south.

26 Local News Matters Week: While there was some activity in Ireland during this union-wide

week of action, the overall response was disappointing. Irish South West Branch held a

seminar during the week, while Derry North West lobbied local politicians to show their

support. Both branches tweeted their activities. The journalists at the Dungarvan Observer

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managed to get both Comeragh District Council and Waterford City and County Council to

pass motions supporting the LNM week.

27 Irish Congress of Trade Unions 27.1 Séamus Dooley was re-elected to the Executive Council of the ICTU at the 2017 Biennial Delegate Conference in Belfast. 27.2 He was also appointed by the ICTU to the newly formed Worker Employer Advisory Committee of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. 27.3 The NUJ was to the fore in proposing establishment of the new committee, a significant breakthrough in placing employment issues and rights on the agenda of the commission. 27.4 Congress supported a Love Equality initiative in Belfast in support of the equal marriage campaign. Séamus Dooley represented the Executive Council at the rally and co-ordinated a “Love Train” from Dublin in solidarity with the campaign. 27.5 Gerry Carson, Cathaoirleach, IEC, represented NUJ at meetings of activists organised by the Northern Ireland committee of Congress. The aim of the project is to co-ordinate union activities across Northern Ireland.

27.6 Owen Reidy was appointed Assistant General Secretary, Northern Ireland, replacing Peter

Bunting, a long-time supporter of the NUJ. Owen had worked closely with the NUJ while an

official of SIPTU and we continue to enjoy a collegiate relationship.

27.7 Biennial Delegate Conference: Gerry Carson, Mary Curtin, Bernie Ni Fhlatharta and the Irish

Secretary represented the NUJ at the 2017 Biennial Delegate Conference of Congress in

Belfast

27.8 The Irish Secretary moved a motion on the restoration of bargaining and representational

rights for freelance workers.

27.9 Committees: Therese Caherty was nominated to the ICTU Women’s Committee.

John Coughlan represents the union at the Disability Seminar 2015 and continues valuable

work on Global Solidarity.

27.10 The Irish Secretary took part in the ICTU Global Solidarity summer school 2017 in Wexford,

reporting on his visit, as Acting General Secretary, to Qatar.

28 Dublin Printing Group of Unions: Following the retirement of Shane McKean, Secretary and

the absence, through illness of his successor John White DPGU had fallen into disrepair. In

October 2015 the NUJ requested a meeting of the Group to make plans for the 2015 AGM. A

new officer board was elected but the group now meets sporadically and is in need of

reform.

28.1 A more inclusive Dublin Media Group of Unions may be more relevant and the Irish

Secretary will be discussing the establishment of such a group with sister unions in 2017.

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29 ILO: At the invitation of ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow the Irish Secretary has been

appointed to a committee to advise the International Trade Union Congress on the ILO high

level commission on The Future of Work. The invitation arises from the NUJ campaign on

freelances rights and bogus self-employment.

30 International Involvement

30.1 The main involvement of the NUJ in Ireland in international affairs is through the IFJ and EFJ.

Ronan Brady represented the union at the IFJ World Congress in France in 2016, attended

also by the Irish Secretary in his capacity as AGS. Ronan also attended the AGM of the EFJ.

NEC member Barry McCall chairs the committee which reviews the IFJ finances.

30.2 The focus of our involvement has been on press freedom, with a particular emphasis on

Turkey.

30.3 Gerry Carson, Cathaoirleach, Ronan Brady, IFJ and EFJ Steering Committee member

Barry White addressed the Oireachtas committee on Foreign Affairs to highlight the plight of

journalists in Turkey and were impressed by the level of interest shown by the committee.

30.3 In 2016 Gerry Carson led an IEC deputation to the Turkish Embassy where we spent an hour

outlining our concerns about media colleagues in that country.

31 Obituaries

31.1 It is customary to record condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of colleagues who

have died in the period under review. Sadly we have lost many key activists.

31.2 It is appropriate to pay particular tribute to the memory of past presidents Lionel Morrison,

who made such an impact in Ireland during his presidential tour of the country and George

Macintyre who was a frequent visitor to Ireland in support of the Shot at Dawn campaign.

31.3 The death of two Irish former presidents Paul McGill and Eddie Barrett occasioned great

sadness in 2017. Gerry Carson led the NUJ attendance at Paul’s funeral.

31.4 Eddie was a Member of Honour, Chair of the Appeals Tribunal and a former activist in RTÉ,

where he served as TUG Secretary. The Irish office held a memorial event in the Writers

Centre, Dublin to facilitate those unable to attend Eddie’s funeral in London. The attendance

and the warm tributes reflected Eddie’s unique standing in the history of the NUJ across two

countries and a number of sectors.

31.5 The untimely death also occurred of Andy Needham, former IEC member and ex chair of

Dublin P&PR branch. His colleagues in UNHCR Iran made a donation to the George Viner

Fund in Andy’s memory.

31.6 All past members will be remembered at the commencement of BDC 2017.

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