SOAF & NUJ-Paris: On Working Together

In the absence of SOAF secretary Richard Poupart, our chair Gregor Dallas asked me to take the minutes at last night's very successful AGM. I imagine he asked me because as well as being a member of the SOAF, I am secretary of the Paris branch of the National Union of Journalists. I saw his request as yet another example of the way the two trade unions, SOA and the NUJ, have successfully worked together here in France.

Although SOAF members last night voted 'nem com' to allow this association to continue to blossom, I was surprised to learn that this had not been the view of some members in the south who, at their meeting in Nice last month, voted against any association.

Gregor tells me that pressures of time prevented a full discussion in Nice so it is not clear on what basis this decision was taken. But as a long-standing member of both organisations and, along with Gregor, one of the prime movers of our association, I am at a loss to understand it. The liaison is so obviously beneficial to us all.

Perhaps it was based on misconceptions about the NUJ or the nature of our relationship with it. If this is the case, please do let me know and, as Paris NUJ secretary, I'll try to elucidate. I'm happy to do that by email, phone or here on the blog. If there are more material concerns, this blog is the best place to discuss them. Let's talk. It's the best way to clear up confusion.

Jim Pollard