Union recognition at Bullivant Media

Months of negotiations have been brought to an end after journalists at a Midlands-based free newspaper group successfully concluded a union recognition agreement.

The deal means that all staff journalists at Bullivant Media – which operates 15 Observer and Standard titles and associated news websites in Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands – will have their core terms determined by annual collective bargaining.

It was finalised following a six-month campaign through the statutory Trade Union recognition process which culminated in a legal ruling that the NUJ must be recognised for collective bargaining on pay, hours and holidays.

Chris Morley, NUJ Northern & Midlands senior organiser, said: “We are glad to have come to an agreement establishing a role for the NUJ in supporting our members through a proper collective bargaining process in the coming years. Members were very patient in what was something of a protracted statutory process. But they were clear what they wanted and stuck with the Union throughout. We are now looking forward to sitting down properly with senior managers to discuss the reasonable aspirations of members.”

He added: “This shows that it is possible for even a small chapel to navigate the current complicated statutory Trade Union recognition law to achieve what members are seeking. We are now looking forward to developing a mature, productive, and constructive relationship with the company.”

Redditch-based Ash Osborne, Bullivant Media Group NUJ Chapel rep, pictured here with colleague Sonny Rackham, said: “Both myself and members are pleased to have come to this agreement and establishing a place for the NUJ. I’m pleased that we stuck together as a department, and throughout this entire process.”