So we’re finally up and running, with proper motions being discussed. For those not familiar with the terminology, that’s not just idle chat about the digestive system.
In fact, there’s a rather neat motion being proposed by the Trinity Mirror chapel. In order to stop the closure of local newspapers, a campaign to designate the publications as “Community Assets” under the Government’s localism bill. This would mean that owners couldn’t simply shut down titles – they’d effectively protected by law.
It’s a good idea, but it’s not without some opposition from colleagues in the South Yorkshire Branch. They propose a more radical move : a strike and occupation at the premises of such newspapers. Well after all, this is a union, right?
That’s all well and good, but there’s no reason why we can’t do both. The idea of a community asset would firstly protect titles in the eyes of the law, but also give the union a genuine political agenda on which to fight the cuts. What’s more, it would give the NUJ the upper hand, connecting directly with readers in the local areas we serve.
Sounds like common sense to me.
NewsMutt 