HeartUnions Week 2026
HeartUnions Week, 9-15 February, is an opportunity to celebrate the union’s wins and remind us of what we can achieve when we work together.
At a time when journalists face growing pressures, joining a union is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and others. The NUJ exists to stand up for journalists and their work and we couldn’t do this without our members.
During this week we are spotlighting members’ achievements and encouraging colleagues to join the union and get involved in our campaigning and activism.
We’re calling on chapels and branches to organise an event – whether it’s a social, a meeting or a workplace stall. We’re also encouraging chapels and branches to reflect on one thing you have achieved or are most proud of in the last year and how you would like to share that. This could be through a short article, a social media post or video clip. Collating these will help us create powerful collage of union activity and successes across the year to show members and non-members how vital the work we do as a union is.
Taking heart
Here a few reasons why you should join the NUJ.
Laura Davison, general secretary, said:
Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said:
Fran McNulty, NUJ joint president, said:
Georgina Morris, NUJ vice-president, said:
Natasha Hirst, Disabled Members' Council chair, said:
Raj Ford, Equality Council chair, said:
Lyn Barton, NUJ Netherlands communications officer, said:
HeartUnions events
We have a range of events taking place during HeartUnions week.
We are launching a new Student and Early Careers Network to share experiences and advice with the next generation of journalists. There are two welcome sessions on Wednesday 11 February, 7-8pm and Thursday 12 February, 12-1pm.
We are also offering reps Employment Rights Act training at 11am on 11 February as new provisions simplifying industrial action come into force on 18 February, with further changes introduced in April. Reps will learn practical tips, including on trade union recognition and activity in the workplace. Register online.
This week will see the inaugural meeting of the revived Northamptonshire branch, marking the return of a collective NUJ presence in the county after decades. This is a grassroots initative driven by member solidarity in the face of increased abuse and intimidation faced by many journalists in the local community.
Northamptonshire NUJ branch said:
“Northamptonshire NUJ Branch strongly support efforts to secure the safety of its working journalists in the face of personal threats and abuse on social media. All forms of intimidation in the course of doing our jobs is condemned and, where necessary, should be reported to the relevant authorities. The solidarity among members for this particular issue is a driving force behind the re-emergence of the county Branch after many years of inactivity.”
Do you have an event planned for HeartUnions Week? Please email any information and photos to [email protected].
Looking ahead
On 25 February NUJ Wales will host a major national conference on the 'State of Media in Wales’ at the School of Journalism, Media and Culture in Cardiff. The event will bring together journalists, policymakers and community voices to shape the future of public interest journalism in Wales. This event is open to members and non-members with priority given to members based in Wales. Book your ticket.
In March, the Newspapers and Agencies Council is hosting a national summit for reps on 14 March from 11am-4pm at the Priory Rooms, Birmingham. The summit will discuss pay claims, AI, the Employment Rights Act, and more. Email [email protected] if you would like to attend.
Meanwhile on 28 March the NUJ will join the trade union bloc at the central London Together march for hope and unity against racism and the far-right.