Labour Research June 2002

Features: Law queries

Law queries

We have just signed a recognition deal with our employers. This was brokered by the advisory and conciliation service ACAS. Does this mean that our employer will now have to recognise the union for at least the next three years in line with the rules covering statutory recognition agreements?

The three-year bar on derecognition only applies where a union has secured an award of recognition from the Central Arbitration Committee, through the statutory scheme. Voluntary agreements are not covered by the law on recognition and it would be possible for your employer to derecognise the union at any time

More information: Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, Schedule A1