All applications, either online or on the form provided, shall be made either to Head Office or the Irish Office (for applications to branches within the island of Ireland).
Branches will be informed within 14 days of receipt of an application.
All applications to Head Office Register or for Asylum Seeker membership will be referred to the NEC Finance Committee which shall act as the branch in these cases.
Where an applicant is confirmed by a chapel or branch official to be in a staff position, membership will date from the first payment of subscriptions.
Where a branch is known to be dormant, applicants who fulfil membership requirements will be elected to membership immediately.
Where a branch receives an application from Head Office or the Irish Office, it will have 60 days from the date of receipt to decide on the application.
The branch’s role is to decide whether the applicant meets the requirements for membership set out in Rule 2.
A branch may not reject an applicant who meets the requirements of Rule 2 unless there is reason to believe that the applicant is not a fit and proper person for membership of the NUJ.
There is no requirement under rule for an applicant or their proposer and/or seconder to be present at the branch meeting where their application is considered.
An unsuccessful applicant shall be informed in writing by the branch of the decision of a branch to reject his/her application for membership.
In the event that Head Office or the Irish Office does not receive a response from the branch within the 60-day period, the applicant shall be deemed elected from the date of the first payment of subscriptions.
If an objection to an applicant being admitted is raised by any branch or member in writing to the General Secretary, then election shall be delayed until the objection has been considered by the NEC whose decision will be final.
The nominator of any candidate whose application for election or re-election is rejected by a branch may appeal to the NEC, or the IEC within the island of Ireland. The appeal must reach the General Secretary within 28 days of the candidate or his/her nominator being informed in writing of the decision by the branch. The NEC, or the IEC within the island of Ireland, shall have the power to elect such a candidate. The decision of the NEC/IEC shall be final.