NUJ and New Statesman do battle over union rights

The owners of the New Statesman, which was set up to promote socialist values, have refused to recognise a union or to negotiate with it, the National Union of Journalists said this week. The union has decided to seek statutory recognition for pay and conditions for journalists on the left-leaning publication after talks apparently broke down. But the magazine’s publisher denies the NUJ’s claims, insisting that management have co-operated fully.

by Tribune Web Editor
Thursday, January 15th, 2009

By René Lavanchy

The owners of the New Statesman, which was set up to promote socialist values, have refused to recognise a union or to negotiate with it, the National Union of Journalists said this week. The union has decided to seek statutory recognition for pay and conditions for journalists on the left-leaning publication after talks apparently broke down. But the magazine’s publisher denies the NUJ’s claims, insisting that management have co-operated fully.

NUJ national organiser Sue Harris said: “Given the editorial stance of the publication, we were astounded by their response.” She was confident of winning a bid for statutory recognition because over 90 per cent of staff affected were union members, she added.

Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson, who part-owns the magazine, declined to comment, saying he was “really not involved”. Publisher Spencer Neal told Tribune: “We followed the suggestions of NUJ members and initiated negotiations, contrary to reports that have appeared.”

NUJ parliamentary group secretary John McDonnell said MPs may table an early day motion calling for union recognition.

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