DC Thomson: Recognise our worth!
Members at DC Thomson are uniting to win union recognition with the NUJ as staff seek proper pay, better conditions, and an independent collective voice to shape the future of their workplace.
Why is union recognition important?
Achieving union recognition allows NUJ members at DC Thomson to collectively negotiate on issues that affect everyone - including pay, job security and workplace conditions to improve the working lives of editorial staff.
Joining the NUJ means you can be part of this positive change. Editorial staff deserve fair representation, democratic decision-making, and an independent voice on key issues. While we welcome across-the-board pay rises for the first time in years, these need to be in line with inflation. The 2% across-the-board pay rise offered this year simply isn’t good enough. Negotiating collectively is more likely to secure staff a better and fairer deal.
The NUJ has achieved wins for its thousands of members who work in a wide range of editorial roles. Recently, NUJ members at Wyvex Media secured formal trade union recognition alongside a new house agreement that delivers transparent pay scales and a 7.3% pay rise. We also celebrated a recent success for ITN members with a deal that delivered an average pay increase of 3.5%.
As Paul Malik, NUJ DC Thomson chapel chair, says:
“Recognition will be a huge first step in making sure our voices are heard and considered by the board.
“When we look at what the NUJ has achieved for our peers in newsrooms across the UK and Ireland, it’s clear that when we come together as a collective voice, things can change for the better. And that starts with formal recognition.
“Our members and colleagues at DC Thomson work tirelessly to make sure the journalism produced on a daily basis is second to none — in an industry facing challenges on multiple fronts.
“We want to keep doing the work we love and believe in. We also want this passion, skill and effort to be fairly rewarded.”
FAQs
What does “union recognition” mean?
Union recognition means that the employer formally recognises the NUJ as the representative body for journalists and editorial staff.
This allows the union to negotiate collectively on behalf of staff over issues such as:
- Pay
- Working hours
- Job security
Recognition gives staff a proper say. This means workers can join together to negotiate pay and conditions – not just take what we’re given.
Does recognition mean I have to join the union?
No.
Union recognition does not make union membership compulsory. Staff can choose whether to join.
However, the stronger the membership, the stronger the collective voice when negotiating improvements. If you decide not to join, you won’t have a say in the collective positions we take on workplace issues that affect us all. You also won’t have access to the individual benefits of NUJ membership.
How would recognition affect pay negotiations?
Instead of pay decisions being made unilaterally by management, the NUJ would work with reps to negotiate agreements with the company on behalf of staff.
Collective bargaining has historically helped NUJ members across the industry secure:
- Fairer pay rises
- Transparent pay structures
- Better protection against pay erosion
What difference does recognition make in practice?
In recognised workplaces, NUJ representatives can:
- Meet management formally to shape workplace policies
- Represent staff in disputes and consultations
- Ensure transparency in major decisions affecting staff
Union recognition brings structure, accountability, dialogue, and democracy to workplace decision-making.
What happens if staff face redundancy or restructuring?
Recognition ensures formal consultation with the union.
This means staff would have:
- Representation in negotiations
- Support during redundancy processes
- A collective voice to challenge unfair proposals
Myth-busting
Myth: “Management won’t listen to a union anyway.”
Fact: Recognition creates formal negotiation rights. Employers must engage with the recognised union on key workplace issues.
Myth: “DC Thomson is a family company. A union will create conflict.”
Fact: Recognition is about structured dialogue and problem-solving. Unions reinforce the positive, collegial aspects of an organisation’s working culture. Many media organisations work constructively with the NUJ every day. There are fewer disputes in organisations with trade union recognition. Recognising the NUJ will promote transparency and open dialogue between the company and staff.
Myth: “Union recognition benefits only a few people.”
Fact: Collective agreements negotiated by the NUJ benefit the whole workforce, whether members or not.
Myth: “I might get in trouble for supporting union recognition.”
Fact: Workers in the UK have legal protections for trade union membership and activity.
Myth: “Nothing will change.”
Fact: Recognition gives staff the power of collective bargaining - a proven way to improve pay, conditions and workplace transparency. Unionised workers earn on average 5% more than workers in non-unionised workplaces. They are also more likely to have better pension benefits, flexible working arrangements, and more paid holiday and sickness leave.
What can I do to support recognition?
- Join the NUJ
- Speak with your colleagues and encourage them to join the union
- Share this campaign page and look out for our recognition survey in the coming weeks
- Speak with your reps and get involved in the NUJ chapel
- Update your details and make sure they’re accurate and current
- Get ready to vote ‘yes’ to NUJ recognition!
Any colleague who would like to find out more or speak confidentially about the campaign is encouraged to contact a chapel representative.
Paul Malik – NUJ DC Thomson representative
Jacqueline Wake Young – NUJ DC Thomson representative
Neil Young – NUJ DC Thomson representative