It’s an unusual feeling, taking industrial action as a journalist.
There’s a pervading sense that, were it any other group on the picket line, you’d almost certainly be covering the story.
I’ve spent hours outside Royal Mail sorting offices speaking to striking posties, interviewed teachers on the days when their school gates remained firmly closed, and waited around deserted railway stations noting the reactions of frustrated commuters.
And while the grievances of postal workers, teachers and rail workers are unique to those industries, explaining their circumstances to an audience is relatively straightforward. But it’s perhaps only now, having joined a picket myself, that I can fully appreciate the nerve it would have taken for them to walk out.
The strike action at National World was a new experience for most of us.
Results of the ballot were met with enthusiasm, but the weight of the decision was tangible in the days leading up to September 18.
It was an unspoken presence in meetings, particularly as staff were asked to prepare work that would be used to fill gaps on the three strike days.
But any sense of trepidation I felt before-hand was gone by the time we were gathering on the first day, placards in hand. In fact, it was a really nice morning. I was with new friends and the feeling of unity among colleagues was empowering and uplifting.
Yes, there were some bemused looks from passers-by as we started chanting, but most were keen to hear about the reasons for the action and were more than willing to take flyers.
We were joined by an MP – Labour’s Richard Burgon from Leeds East – who bolstered confidence in the importance of the action – and it was reassuring to know we were making waves.
Meeting later, I think we all felt as though we’d achieved something and were on the same page about feeling slightly out of our comfort zone to begin with.
Ultimately, the strike strengthened our union and brought us closer together.
The experience taught me that, some-times, you need to be part of the story to fully understand its significance; that’s a lesson in journalism I’ll remember.
News Leeds is not naming the writer for understandable career reasons.
Picture caption:
CLOSER TOGETHER: The sun shone on journalists from National World titles in Leeds when they gathered outside the city’s Art Gallery during industrial action against National World in their dispute over low pay.