The branch is one of the key democratic structures of the union. It is where members can have their say on the union’s policies and activities: it is your union branch (not chapel) that can elect delegates and send motions to the union’s national conference (termed ‘Delegate Meeting’).
The branch is also where union members can network and organise activities with other branch members within and outside their workplace. The branch holds a proportion of their members’ union subs termed the ‘management allowance’: this money is used to finance the activities of the branch and chapels. For example, if you wish to organise a meeting for colleagues at your workplace the branch will pay for room hire, refreshments, leaflets, etc.
London Magazine Branch holds regular, monthly meetings – usually on the third Monday of the month, except for Bank Holidays – at which we invite guest speakers on topics related to magazines/journals publishing and union organising.
The meeting usually begins with the guest speaker, with time for discussion, followed by ‘branch business’ when we discuss matters key to the functioning of the branch, such as accepting new members, workplace reports and branch motions.
The branch also organises training sessions, workshops and socials, which can be held on the same night or separately from the monthly branch meeting.
Two key functions of the branch are to assist workplace groups (‘chapels’ in NUJ-speak) and to keep members informed about what is going on in workplaces in our sector. This is where we find out about the state of negotiations over pay and conditions (collective bargaining) at various employers.
However, you don’t need to be part of an organised chapel to bring along workplace issues – indeed the branch is a vital link to the union for those members in workplaces without a chapel or a recognition agreement with the employer.
The full-time NUJ organiser covering the Magazine sector can attend the branch meeting on request, to report on disputes and negotiations they have been handling and share other useful information regarding union organising in our sector. We also hear reports from the branch’s delegates to other union bodies, such as the National Executive Council (NEC), Magazines and Books Industrial Council (MABIC), the Equalities Council and Ethics Council.
We encourage members to submit motions on issues affecting them at work and/or in trade union organising, which can then be used to set branch policy or put proposals to the NEC.
Motions to be debated at the next branch meeting are to published one week in advance of the meeting – please submit motions to the Chair, Vice chair and Secretary at least 8 days before the next scheduled meeting.
In exceptional circumstances and with the permission of those present at the meeting, ‘emergency’ branch motions may be presented on the day.
The Branch has standing orders which outline the branches procedures.