Strategy and Circumstance: The Success of the NUJ's New Technology Policy

Abstract

This article assesses the success of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in negotiating the introduction of computerised editorial systems (direct input) into provincial newspapers. It employs a quantitative and qualitative analysis to suggest that the NUJ has been exemplary in using the New Technology Agreement (NTA) as a bargaining tool in order to limit the negative effects of technological change and to secure notable benefits — particularly pay increases. This contrasts with other survey evidence which concludes that NTAs have fallen short of the TUC's original objectives in advocating their use. The success of the NUJ is attributed to an appropriate match between the union's new technology policy/strategy and the particular industrial circumstances. It may also explain the recent moves towards decollectivisation in the newspaper industry.