Paying your subs just got a lot easier

From 1 April 2009, NUJ head office in London will take over the collection of subscriptions for members of the Paris branch.

Any cheques due before this time should go via Jeff Apter as at present. Cheques for new members will go with their application forms.

From 1 April 2009, you will be able to pay:

 By sterling direct debit (still by far the best way to pay )

 By sterling cheque by post to head office

 By Euro cheque by post to head office

 By Euro credit card online once the system is set-up. (Head office will let members know once this up either via us or direct. It will also be on the NUJ website.)

What about French standing order?

No. If you’re one of the four members with a French standing order to the Paris branch account, please cancel it and pay your subs in a different way.

Why is sterling direct debit best?

It is best for the union as it allows it to budget for future income and best for you as your press card is automatically renewed. We strongly urge you to pay this way if at all possible. You can download a direct debit mandate for a UK bank from http://www.nuj.org.uk/getfile.php?id=700

How can I check my current subs position?

As soon as possible after 1 April, head office will write to all members of the branch formally advising you of the new arrangements and including a statement of where they believe you are paid up to.

Head office say this will allow sufficient time to resolve any issues with the member before the arrears notices are sent in late April. Arrears notices will be sent at least quarterly thereafter.

After 1 April you can check your subs position simply by emailing parissubs@nuj.org.uk. In the meantime, contact Jeff Apter (via nujparis@wanadoo.fr)

Arrears notices? Can I be thrown out of the union if I am behind on my subs?

Yes, you can be ‘lapsed’ from membership if you don’t pay up.

In the past the fact that subs were processed in France before being sent to head office meant that Paris members often had a month or so’s grace. This will no longer happen. Like everyone else in the union you will be lapsed if you’re three months in arrears with your subs. Don’t let it happen. It is time-consuming and expensive for you, the union and the branch.

What about my press card?

You’ll still need to apply for a press card on the official form via head office but to make dealing with queries easier, there will be a dedicated email address for the branch: parispresscards@nuj.org.uk.

Press card application forms are available from branch officers or head office.

What about if I change my address?

If you change your address, whether home or email, please let head office know as soon as possible after you move, and preferably by email at membership@nuj.org.uk. Put ’Change of Address’ in the subject line of the email. It would be very helpful for the branch if you could cc us at nujparis@wanadoo.fr.

You should also let head office know if anything else changes which might affect your membership of the NUJ or the subscription which you should pay. Again try to do this as soon as possible after the change.

If you prefer to send an ordinary letter, the address is Membership Department, National Union of Journalists, Headland House, 308-312 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8DP, Royaume Uni.

What are those email addresses again?

 For subs (including tax receipts): parissubs@nuj.org.uk.
 For press cards: parispresscards@nuj.org.uk
 For changes of address etc: membership@nuj.org.uk

Please use these addresses as the first port of call but let the branch know on nujparis@wanadoo.fr if you have any problems.