Apologies from: Anne Marie Sanderson, David Hoffman, Matthew Aslett & Franc David.
Matters arising: Marc Vallee reported that the issue of Bindmans Solicitors (used by NUJ members for actions against the police) being spied on is being discussed by the NUJ policy committee who in turn are liaising with Bindmans.
Membership: Richard Keysey elected to temporary membership of the LPB.
Election: Guy Smallman & Terry Scott elected unopposed as joint branch secretary. No nominations to replace joint treasurer post left vacant by resignation.
Disabled Members Council: Micheal Preston and Mike Smith were nominated by the LPB to represent us on the council. Proposed: Philip Wolmuth, Seconded: Guy Smallman
Photographers Industrial Council (PIC): Andrew Wiard reported from the first meeting of the PIC. The council has started by establishing a facebook group so they can discuss matters on a daily basis outside of the quarterly meetings. A separate FB page is being discussed as a possible link between the PIC and all lens based NUJ members. The PIC will start its work by updating the fees guide and creating a new section for video rates. They are also looking closely at the rapidly evolving issues surrounding copyright law. The council is drawn from a broad range of people working in lens based media including 2 videographers and photographers working in news, travel, dance and leisure.
Motion: This Branch agrees that social media websites like Facebook can be useful tools in raising the profile of the Branch and recruit new members to the union. Currently the Branch Facebook group is set as “Secret” – only members of the Facebook group can see the group, who’s in it and what members post. This Branch notes that the NUJ national Facebook group is set at “Open” – anyone can see the group, who’s in it and what members post. This Branch agrees to change the Branch Facebook Group to “Open”. This Branch further agrees that membership of the “Open” Branch Facebook group will be available to: Branch members. NUJ members from other Branches. NUJ officials. Non-union photographers with a strong interest in joining the NUJ. Members of other TUC affiliated trade unions who have a strong interest photographers issues and concerns.
Proposed by Marc Vallée.
Seconded by:
Passed by 9 votes in favour & 3 recorded abstentions.
Report: Guy Smallman raised the issue of a far right gang of hooligans whom had been specifically targeting the press at EDL rallies and similar events. Statements are being taken from the victims and will be passed onto the Freelance Office which has already been notified about the situation.
Report: Philip Wolmuth reported on the revamping of the branch mailing list and appealed to branch members to ensure their details were up to date. Also for members to sign up for a log in of the branch website.
Report: Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom (CPBF) had a meeting on July 13th for which the minutes were provided to branch members. Franc David was coopted to represent the branch at the CPBF.
Report: David Hoffman had asked for a bill presently going through parliament to be looked at. Andrew Wiard commented that it had the potential to give police the power to move the press on at the behest of others without due legal process.
Branch Discussion: Marc Vallee and Steven Lee presented a discussion on self publishing and photography books. Zarina Holmes also illustrated the Digital Photobook.
Meeting ended at 8pm.
Total attendance 33 including speakers.
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