Unions woo 'hostile' bosses

The new law could boost union membership amongst women

Trade unionists say more UK firms are reaching voluntary deals that recognise unions in the workplace.

This upbeat assessment comes as the Employment Relations Act takes effect on Tuesday.

That new law means unions with majority support in the workplace can claim official recognition.

Only a small minority of employers are now hostile to unions in principle

John Monks
TUC general secretary

Officials calculate that the new rights could raise union membership generally by two million, mostly among women and the white collar sector.

Trades Union Congress general secretary John Monks said: "The main effect of this new law is to encourage more voluntary deals.

"Only a small minority of employers are now hostile to unions in principle.

"Most recognise that modern unions want partnership, not endless conflict."

He added that the new law was needed to tackle bosses "stuck in the 80s" or those said to be hiring US advisers on how to get around the new recognition rights.

Assessment task

The new Central Arbitration Committee has the job of assessing whether a union can show majority support - judged to be 50% plus one in a bargaining unit - or secure a 'yes' vote from 40% of balloted workers.

Unions have secured over 75 voluntary deals with bosses in the past 10 months for recognition, covering 21,000 workers.

Recent deals include bank and call centre staff, and workers at the NCH Action for Children charity.

Approach to banks

The finance union UNIFI will seek support for the new Act from various London-based international banks, including ones which have de-recognised that union.

Firms employing less than 20 staff are exempt from the new legislation.

Industry minister Alan Johnson said he regarded the new law as a step closer to giving workers "basic minimum rights", adding that it was fair to workers and business interests.

Sir Ken Jackson, general secretary of the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union, said: "The new law provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build lasting relationships."