Here are just a few examples of how a small in numbers union has been working for freelance writers, through mostly volunteer efforts of members. It is the National Writer's Union, UAW 1981, AFL-CIO, of which I am a member:

QUOTE of the MONTH: "We've all heard the lines: unions are outdated. Working people needed unions at one point, but not any more. Employers are decent today; they treat their people ok. And for those who don't, the government provides protections...BULL! Today's decent employers are decent because unions FORCE them to be decent." Richard J. Perry 1991

Boston Globe Case Moves Forward: Starting his hearing with the observation "somebody doesn't want to answer some questions..." Mass. Superior Court Judge Ernest B. Murphy DENIED the Boston Globe's motion to stay yesterday afternoon (June 13th). The Globe made this petition last March, arguing that it shouldn't be required to answer discovery questions in Marx v. Boston Globe until the Tasini case has been decided by the US Supreme Court. But the Boston Globe case does not concern copyright---it is an unfair business practice case. Now the Globe must answer written interrogatories and produce documentation withheld by July 13th. Based on another court ruling in Massachusetts, it also looks likely that the freelancers involved in the Globe struggle will be certifiable as a class for further action. All this bodes well for ultimate victory against the Globe and for affirming the rights of all freelancers.

Stand Up to the Washington Post TAKE ACTION!: The NWU is working to get the Washington Post to improve its all rights grab contract AND to pay freelancers better. But the Post thinks that freelancers find their contract just fine. If you write for the Post, make sure you let your editor know that you want better rates and terms. Even if you don't get what you want, you're sending a message to their management: that freelancers aren't going to take it anymore! If you want support in negotiating a better contract with the Post or any other publisher, request a contract advisor.

Freelance Photographers Build the Fight

Freelance writers aren't the only ones protesting low pay and unfair contracts. Photographers recently called an informal boycott of Forbes magazine until the publisher pays for on line use. Other targets have included stock photo houses Getty Images, Inc. and Corbis Corp (owned by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates), Conde Nast, the New Yorker, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Newsweek. And the boycotts are working. Last year, the target BusinessWeek upped its pay scale. Similar to campaigns the NWU is involved with in San Diego, Boston, and DC, these boycotts are being run not via picket lines but peer pressure: freelancers deciding on a voluntary basis not to work for a publisher until that publisher ups their pay and stops grabbing rights. To read how a freelancer photographer battled the New York Times, go to http://www/cjr.org/year/01/3/photo.asp .

8. BUY UNION! TAKE ACTION!

The next time you need a book or magazine, avoid union busting Amazon.com and try Powell's in Portland, Oregon. You can order books from them on the web and if you order through their union web site, 10% goes to the workers through a profit sharing deal negotiated by their union. Go to www.powellsunion.com/Bookstore.html

Union - yes

kat