Tea, cakes and tough talking
Every day NUJ reps across the union give up their time to help improve the working lives of their colleagues. LUCY LYNCH, the Mother of Chapel at the Telegraph in Coventry, is a union hero to her members
JANE STIRLAND of the Coventry chapel said: “Lucy’s fine intellect, personal integrity, head for detail, impeccable memory and sound knowledge of employment law make her a tough and determined negotiator.
“She has dealt with a number of personal grievances and is a compassionate rock to colleagues, dispensing sound advice not only to members in Coventry but to anyone in need of it.
“When colleagues in Derbyshire and Peterborough, where there were no organised chapels, were suddenly and without warning made redundant, she was on the phone offering a sympathetic ear and advice.”
Barbara Goulden, the former MoC, cites Lucy’s determination: “Despite being a person who is not naturally combative, Lucy has realised that often there is no alternative if we want to preserve journalistic standards, pay and conditions.
“In the pay settlement this year Lucy persisted in arguing until management agreed, for the first time, to make some concessions on the pay gap between journalists in Coventry and our colleagues in Birmingham. This resulted in a settlement of £850 for most staff.
“Lucy has a great memory for detail, which knocks managers off balance, and a lovely sense of humour. Nor does she take herself too seriously. Instead of nagging on to potential new recruits and the long-lost former members among our subs, she simply serves them fairy cakes ... iced with the initials NUJ.”
Jane Stirland added: “Lucy is one of the kindest and most modest people I know and will be hugely embarrassed if she ever sees what I have written!”
Do you have a local union hero? If your local rep has made a difference, email us at campaigns@nuj.org.uk