Please read these notes before completing the enclosed application form.

(Note: the word "journalist" includes persons who earn the greater part of their income in the gathering, preparation and dissemination of news, general information and comment, through any or all available modes of transmission including printed, electronic and audiovisual media. Most IFJ affiliates include writers, editors, photographers, camera persons, creative artists, designers, layout staff and web-site personnel in their membership.)

QUESTION 5

This question asks whether yours is a professional organisation (that is, concerned only with professional matters) or whether it is also a trade union (concerned as well with social  rights and working conditions).

By "media owners" we mean people who have the absolute right to employ and to dismiss journalists, and whose responsibilities are solely related to commercial affairs, ownership, and management of the enterprise. This does not include working journalists who may become senior editorial executives and shareholders but who may, under your Rules, retain nominal membership of the organisation.

QUESTION 6

This refers to your ability to organise within defined national boundaries. The IFJ recognises that the term "national" can be defined in other ways than political boundaries and subject to other considerations such as culture, language and geographical location.

QUESTION 7

If you are a member of a national trade union confederation please state which one and its relationship, if known, with the international trade union movement.

QUESTION 8

Please send with your application form examples of agreements you have negotiated.

QUESTION 9

Please send details (including names and addresses of relevant contacts) of these organisations. In your statement of differences give any background information which may help the IFJ understand fully the circumstances in your country.

QUESTION 10

The IFJ has many industrial unions among its members. This question asks about identifying journalists within the general membership for the purposes, for instance, of issuing the International Press Card which can only be issued to working journalists.

QUESTION 14

Give any information regarding laws or recent practises in your country which may prevent journalists from fully applying the principles set out in this question.

QUESTION 15

Associate Membership is open to organisations of journalists who are committed to the principles of freedom of the press but who are unable to function as independent trade unions of journalists. The IFJ accepts into Associate membership organisations who have the intention to form themselves into a trade union of journalists or who for other reasons -- such as national laws or other specific reasons -- cannot function as trade unions. Associate Member unions pay half the membership fee applicable to the Union.

Full Membership is open to organisations that satisfy fully all requirements of the IFJ constitution. Full Members pay the membership affiliation fee applicable to the appropriate IFJ grade. IFJ membership fees are graded into three categories according to the economic and social conditions in regions of the world. Member unions in Europe pay a supplementary fee for membership of the European Federation of Journalists.

IFJ Membership only becomes effective from the date of receipt of the first half year payment of fees due unless this condition is specifically waived by the Executive Committee or Congress of the IFJ.

For Further Information contact the IFJ at [email protected]