Joining a union might seem like something to only do when you are working full time (and even then many don’t join straight away), but there are so many benefits to doing so. Not only are these bodies and organisations there for you should you need (legal) advice and someone to advocate for your rights. Many offer other great benefits such as networking events, training, and/or job opportunities.
Even as an intern, it is relevant to join a union or supporting organisation to:
– Have somewhere to turn for advice on your rights or working conditions: While we hope everything goes absolutely smoothly for you during your internship, there have unfortunately been reports from interns in the UK where unpaid interns were used to fill gaps in newsrooms and complete tasks that paid employees should have done, and other cases of employers treating interns unfairly.
Unions can be there for you both when it comes to asking for help with your rights as an intern/ worker, guidance on your contract or other documents, and even other things such as bullying and harassment (although we really hope that does not happen!), disciplinary hearings, and other work-related problems.
They can also help with potential external grievances and outside authorities, should you find yourself, for example, being part of a police investigation.
– Get help when you do need to make a complaint: Should you need to move forward with any issues you raised, the union can give you steps and, should you require so in extreme cases, a representative to go with you.
– Broaden your skillset: Unions often have a large assortment of articles on their website and some also offer regular training sessions – even things like podcasting or video journalism. Because unions often have an array of members who are experts in their field, they will have some of the best people teaching you things that will set you up for your journalism career.
– Be part of special events and expand your network: We already talked about the importance of networking, and unions often offer member meetups and socials. These are a great way to meet peers and like-minded people and rub shoulders with media professionals to make connections. You might find you’ll get some great advice – or even further opportunities and jobs!
– Claim financial assistance should you need it: While not every organisation will be able to offer this (some are smaller or non-for-profit), several unions offer grants and/ or bursaries.
The NUJ, for example, offers the NUJ Extra fund – which ‘was established to help members and their dependents through times of financial difficulty’ – as well as the George Viner Memorial Fund, which helps ‘Black and minority ethnic students obtain the training they need to get a job in journalism.’
A quick caveat: Most unions will charge you a fee for membership. The good news is that most organisations offer free or discounted memberships for young members, students, those starting out, and those on lower incomes.
Should you find money to be an issue, it is worth getting in touch with a union or supporting organisation anyway, as they might still be able to help you.
Unions/organisations to look at:
National Union of Journalists (NUJ) https://www.nuj.org.uk/
The NUJ is one of the largest independent journalists’ unions in the world. It offers training, networking opportunities and legal advice. It also represented many of the journalists who went on strike in the summer of 2022.
British Association of Journalists (BAJ) https://bajunion.org.uk/
The BAJ is ‘a non-political trade union for journalists, both staff and freelancers, working within newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and online media’ and they ‘welcome members who earn an income from being part of an editorial workflow process.
Journalists’ Charity https://journalistscharity.org.uk/
This charity was founded by Charles Dickens It offers ‘friendly help and guidance to journalists of all ages and backgrounds,’ as well as confidential advice, emergency support and financial assistance.
The Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIOJ) https://cioj.org/the-chartered-institute-of-journalists/
On its website, the CIOJ says it ‘combines the role of professional society with that of a trade union, and ‘protects its members’ interests in the workplace and campaigns for better conditions for working journalists.’
Women in Journalism (WiJ) https://womeninjournalism.co.uk/
WiJ are a not-for-profit organisation that campaigns for, supports, and provides guidance to women journalists across the UK, as well as networking, training and campaigning opportunities for its members. (Add WIJ Scotland too?)
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) https://europeanjournalists.org/
The EFJ says it ‘is the largest organisation of journalists in Europe.’ It ‘fights for social and professional rights of journalists working in all sectors of the media across Europe through strong trade unions and associations.’
Image Credit: Hannah Busing
