Photographers to boycott Guardian on 'day of rest' in rights protest

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Photographers are to refuse to work for Guardian News & Media during a 'day of rest' following changes to their rights.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is calling for photographers to boycott the paper on a specific day in protest against recent changes to their terms and conditions. In July, GNM announced it would no longer pay second-use reproduction fees for existing images and seeks a 'non-exclusive licence' to reuse new commissions, prompting a protest against what the photographers claim is a 'rights grab' .

When the changes were introduced in September, more than 30 photographers gathered outside the Guardian's buildings on Kings Place in protest.

Now, following negotiation, 'over a dozen' photographers who work under contract at the Guardian will be given a licence to be paid re-use fees on a sliding scale for a five-year period after the end of the contract.

But the NUJ wants this extended to freelance photographers as well.

The day of the protest will be announced nearer the time, not allowing the Guardian much notice, it said.

"We're pleased to have reached an acceptable deal for contractors. Now we're looking to the Guardian to show the same willingness to review its position for all photographers," said NUJ freelance organiser John Toner.

The union sent a letter signed by more than 900 photographers to Chris Elliott, managing editor of the Guardian, last week, although more have now been added to the petition, which now shows 1,450 names . The first ever photographers' branch in the history of the National Union of Journalists is soon to be launched in London , the NUJ confirmed this week, with the aim of better co-ordinating its members in protests such as this one.

Update:

"We find it surprising and regrettable that this action is planned," a spokesperson from GNM said.

"As far as we are concerned the issue is now closed as the arrangements only cover existing photographers. New contracts issued will not attract the conditions of the legacy arrangements."