“Trade union council campaigns have helped the NUJ fight cuts at the BBC and ITV, supported the fight for jobs in local newspapers and backed campaigns for press freedom and ethical journalism,” general secretary Jeremy Dear told members.“With threats of racism and fascism, changes in the labour market and debates over the future of public services, the trade union voice in the community is as important as ever. The capacity of trade union councils to provide a local response and to organise trade unionists into coalitions with other progressive forces is crucial.

“It is vital that unions are seen as an integral part of the local community.  Everyone needs to know that what affects the local community, and society, also affects and concerns trade union members and their unions.

“Your local trade union council can help your union branch take on a public face,” Jeremy told NUJ members.

“It is the ideal vehicle for your union branch to play a greater role in the local community, bringing your union members’ experience and expertise to bear on local democracy and local campaigns showing that unions are still very relevant, indeed a necessity, in today’s society.”

Information on the work of trade union councils in Britain is available from a TUC trades union councils website   where there is also a link to a list of local councils.

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