NUJ is odds-on for recognition

The non-TUC British Association of Journalists (BAJ) has been forced to walk out of a sweetheart deal at the Racing Post, leaving the way clear for recognition of the NUJ journalists’ union at the newspaper.

Four years ago, Mirror Group Newspapers – the Racing Post’s then owners – pulled out of talks on voluntary recognition with the NUJ, of which more than 50% of the paper’s journalists were members.

Instead, it agreed a secret recognition deal with the BAJ, which had just one member – a move that allowed the company to escape any future statutory recognition claim from the NUJ.

But the BAJ has now withdrawn from its recognition agreement, reportedly because it had no members at the title.

Welcoming the news, NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said: “After years of being denied their rights by this unjust sweetheart arrangement, staff at the Racing Post are now free to choose who they want to represent them.”

The union’s reps at the paper have already approached the new owners about a voluntary recognition agreement. “Now staff can look forward to being represented by a genuine trade union,” commented organiser Barry Fitzpatrick.

• The NUJ and broadcasting union BECTU have signed a recognition deal with ITV Westcountry – the only ITV region where the unions were not previously recognised.

Staff began to push for recognition after their inability to participate in collective negotiations across ITV plc left them feeling isolated.