A bit of Paul's Diary
BULLYING
While the Newsquest dispute has dominated the headlines and the workload of NUJ officials in recent weeks, the rest of the industry has continued as normal. Of course normal isn't always good in the media and some old bad habits are being resurrected while the union is temporarily diverted. The destructive practice of bullying for example is raising it's ugly head but I can reassure members that any such aberrations will be acted on immediately. Some companies never learn and the same can be said for editorial managers, however watch this space as some drastic action may be required to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour in one or two high profile workplaces.
WORKLOAD
Another recent development or deterioration has been the increase in the expectations of bosses who believe there is a bottomless pit of goodwill among journalists. The union is just about to submit a collective grievance against a leading weekly newspaper group as reporters, subs and snappers have had enough of the unreasonable demands on their time and expertise. One of the many problems is in relation to providing cover for absent editors, without financial compensation or acting up pay. Another issue is in relation to young hacks on supressed trainee rates being expected to do the work of senior staff. I feel a dispute in the air with this one. Names will be named next week.
NEGOTIATIONS
Johnston Press group chapel is meeting to discuss their role in the ever-growing Bowdler empire. In Scotland JP now takes in all the old Archant titles and the union has written asking for full recognition for the dozen or so chapels. The talks will also include where the various chapels will fit into the negotiating set up, currently there are two sets of negotiations covering central belt with Fife, Falkirk and Lanarkshire and the Borders involving Tweeddale Press across to Galloway and up to Dalkeith.
STRESS
BBC Scotland management have asked me for a meeting in their Aberdeen offices with HR and chapel officers about the recent stress survey introduced by the FoC Eric Crockart. The union has a health and safety/risk assessment agreement covering Pacific Quay and it is expected we will explore how relevant that document is for the northern office
While the Newsquest dispute has dominated the headlines and the workload of NUJ officials in recent weeks, the rest of the industry has continued as normal. Of course normal isn't always good in the media and some old bad habits are being resurrected while the union is temporarily diverted. The destructive practice of bullying for example is raising it's ugly head but I can reassure members that any such aberrations will be acted on immediately. Some companies never learn and the same can be said for editorial managers, however watch this space as some drastic action may be required to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour in one or two high profile workplaces.
WORKLOAD
Another recent development or deterioration has been the increase in the expectations of bosses who believe there is a bottomless pit of goodwill among journalists. The union is just about to submit a collective grievance against a leading weekly newspaper group as reporters, subs and snappers have had enough of the unreasonable demands on their time and expertise. One of the many problems is in relation to providing cover for absent editors, without financial compensation or acting up pay. Another issue is in relation to young hacks on supressed trainee rates being expected to do the work of senior staff. I feel a dispute in the air with this one. Names will be named next week.
NEGOTIATIONS
Johnston Press group chapel is meeting to discuss their role in the ever-growing Bowdler empire. In Scotland JP now takes in all the old Archant titles and the union has written asking for full recognition for the dozen or so chapels. The talks will also include where the various chapels will fit into the negotiating set up, currently there are two sets of negotiations covering central belt with Fife, Falkirk and Lanarkshire and the Borders involving Tweeddale Press across to Galloway and up to Dalkeith.
STRESS
BBC Scotland management have asked me for a meeting in their Aberdeen offices with HR and chapel officers about the recent stress survey introduced by the FoC Eric Crockart. The union has a health and safety/risk assessment agreement covering Pacific Quay and it is expected we will explore how relevant that document is for the northern office
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