Key employers include BBC Scotland, Scottish Television, Daily Record & Sunday Mail, Newsquest (Herald & Times), Daily Mail, Daily Express, Metro, Sunday Post and Harper Collins, as well as a number of radio stations and weekly titles. Although based in Glasgow, the NUJ Scottish office covers the whole of Scotland with members in Scotsman Publications, Chambers Harrap, Scottish Parliament PR and R
esearch staff in Edinburgh. The office also has responsibility for the Highlands and Islands as well as the far-flung islands of Orkney and Shetland. Across the central belt, including Lanarkshire and Ayrshire and down to the Borders, the main employers are weekly newspapers. The union office in Scotland is responsible for collective bargaining, particularly pay negotiations, working with the group chapels. It also helps members with individual representation, including assistance with grievances and support in disciplinary cases or tribunals. The Scottish office has developed specific training programmes which aim to raise the skills levels of members to meet the demands of the industry. There is also a Scottish campaigns website located at www.nujscotland.org.uk
There is a range of agreements to be negotiated every year with most of the companies named above, and there are also individual contracts for freelances and PR staff. The office also provides support to active branches across Scotland and services campaigns initiated through the Scottish Executive Council. Recent campaigns include a profile drive to highlight stress and trauma in newsrooms, with a number of chapels carrying out health and safety surveys, along with academic backing from members. We’re using this information to ensure that employers give our members the support they need. The NUJ’s Scottish office also engages in a range of political work. This includes managing relationships with the STUC and Scottish Committee of the Federation of Entertainment Unions. We hold regular meetings with ministers and MSPs to discuss issues affecting our industry including training and health and safety.
