NUJ membership rises at The Sun

Union organisation is being revitalised at The Sun newspaper for the first time since its controversial move from Fleet Street to Wapping.

The NUJ journalists' union believes it now has about 50 members at the News International paper, and has recently elected "chapel" (workplace branch) officers.

The developments result from a programme of cutbacks and compulsory redundancies. In July, management revealed plans to make 20 journalists redundant, change shift patterns and scrap benefits.

The company offered consultation with its staff association, which the NUJ describes as a "one-size fits all", management-funded body.

Called on management to recognise the union, NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said: "We are very proud of the staff at The Sun, who were determined to get their union back. We never turned the lights off when we left Wapping and now we are determined they are going to burn brighter than ever."