The NUJ has called on the government and media employers to clampdown on sexism and harassment in the workplace in the wake of the latest revelations surrounding Sir Jimmy Savile.
Their intervention is designed to derail Conservative plans to amend health and safety legislation which they see as an attack on trade union rights.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said: “Sexism and sexual harassment is totally unacceptable and the NUJ is united and determined to challenge it. We are calling for media employers, trade unions and journalists to work together to ensure that women are safe at work. We want to see measures put in place to protect victims and we want procedures to be introduced to effectively tackle the harmful and damaging behaviour of the perpetrators.
"Our women members have come forward to describe instances of sexism and harassment to us and it is clear that media organisations are not always willing to acknowledge or prevent sexism and harassment at work. One of the most recent examples is the sexually-based abuse targeted at women journalists on the internet and the lack of measures introduced to protect staff from harm. The last thing abused women need is the offer of shares in return for giving up their employment rights.
"Supporting a strong and representative trade union can help to address the problems and the NUJ will continue to work hard to convince the government and employers of the need for equality policies aimed to challenge unhealthy cultures and practices at work."