London Magazine Branch July 2000

 

You're not alone On 4 September all workers gained the right to be accompanied to disciplinary or grievance hearings by a fellow worker or a trade union representative, even if the company does not recognise a union. The final installment of the "Fairness at Work" legislation says that a union representative must either be "a full-time official or a lay representative who has been certified by their union as having experience of, or having received training in, acting as a worker's companion at disciplinary or grievance hearings". The companion has a statutory right to address the hearing but not answer questions on the worker's behalf. However, they can still ask for a recess or "ask questions and, with the agreement of the employer, should be allowed to participate as fully as possible in the hearing". This statutory right applies to any meeting that might result in disciplinary action being taken.   What's your job worth? We have started our annual pay survey of the London magazine sector. Last year's survey threw up some very interesting findings, so please complete the short questionnaire. Either print it out and post or fax it back or email us. Better still, photocopy it and distribute them to workmates. The October issue of the Report will also have a form and we will probably compile the results in time for the November issue. Pay survey questionnaire   Recognition 2000 This conference will draw the lessons from the first wave of recognition claims and provide practical help and assistance on recruitment, negotiating agreements and making claims. Don't just find out about how the recognition campaign is going, be part of it. 16 September 2000   starts 11.30am NATFE office, Britannia St WC1 SPEAKERS: John Foster NUJ general secretary Sarah Veale TUC employment rights officer Tony Burke GPMU deputy general secretary Jeremy Dear NUJ national organiser Claire Kirby NUJ legal officer For more details email jeremyd@nuj.org.uk

In this issue Pay survey Reed ballots for NUJ Recognition 2000 Training courses Branch by-election   Reed to ballot Management at Reed Business Information has agreed to a ballot of all NUJ-eligible staff in October over union recognition Reed is one of the largest magazine publishers.   Training courses There are still places on the following NUJ-organised training courses in London: Introduction to feature writing (16 September) Going digital for Photographers (23 September) Introduction to online publishing (14/15 October). To book, call: Linda King: 020 7278 7916    lindak@nuj.org.uk   Branch by-election Want to enter public life? The branch is short of a secretary and a vice chair. If you would be willing to stand for election - or to have your arm twisted - come along to this month's branch meeting. Return to top