Rules 2002

Appendix G - Glossary and definition of terms

The union’s democratic bodies and officers are often referred to by their initials or obscure titles. This glossary is intended to guide you through the union’s structure explaining what each of these bodies and officers does.

ADM – Annual Delegate Meeting – The union’s annual conference. This decides policy and if necessary, amends the rules. A special delegate meeting or SDM can also be called by the NEC or branches.

Appeals Tribunal – Sits in judgement on appeals against decisions taken by the NEC on individual cases of discipline or membership criteria.

Black Members’ Council – Represents black members and campaigns on matters of concern such as racism and racial equality.

DGS –Deputy General Secretary – Assists the General Secretary and serves a five-year salaried term. Is elected by the members and is a member of the NEC in his/her own right.

Disabled Members’ Council: – Campaigns for equality of opportunity for people with disabilities in the workplace and within the union.

Equality Council – Campaigns for equality for all members in the workplace and in the union.

Ethics Council – Charged with raising the consciousness of members on ethical matters and dealing with complaints against members on matters of professional concern.

F/MoC – Father or Mother of Chapel – The office representative or shop steward.

GS – General Secretary – The union’s top official. The General Secretary is elected by the members and serves a five-year, salaried term. He/she is a member of the NEC.

IEC – Irish Executive Council – An executive council for Ireland with a similar role to the NEC. Can be overruled by the NEC.

SEC – Scottish Executive Council – An executive council for Scotland with a similar role to the NEC, except it has no power to instruct members to withdraw their labour and it can be overruled by the NEC.

IFJ – International Federation of Journalists – An international collective of journalist unions based in Brussels.

Industrial Councils – There are five industrial councils that oversee the industrial work of the union checking on collective agreements and dealing with the running of disputes. The councils are:

LNM – Late Notice Motion – a motion to ADM sent in after the final deadline for motions. Must concern a matter which happened after the deadline and which requires a decision of ADM. They cannot be used to change rules.

NEC – National Executive Council – This body is responsible for running the union on a day to day basis and deciding or interpreting policy between delegate meetings. It is also responsible for authorising benefits and dispute payments.

NUJ Members In Need Fund – A charitable trust recently established to bring relief from poverty to NUJ members. The fund is still building its capital reserves.

NUJ Provident Fund – A charitable trust set up to bring relief from poverty to the families and dependants of deceased NUJ members. It was established in 1909.

SOC – Standing Orders Committee – Draws up the standing orders for ADM and examines and makes recommendations about the legitimacy of all motions to conference.