New role for Central Arbitration Committee

On 6 June, the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), started its role of ruling on disputed claims for recognition. It will assess whether or not a union passes either of two tests: that it can demonstrate it has majority support for recognition as shown by the fact that 50% plus one of the workforce in the bargaining unit are members; or where a majority "yes" vote is provided by the workforce (or bargaining unit) in a ballot, where at least 40% of workers have voted.

The CAC, until now has had a minor role dealing with what it calls "only a few claims annually related to the disclosure of information for collective bargaining purposes." A press release says: "As a consequence of the new legislation it expects to see a significant growth in its work." It has moved to new premises and has taken on extra staff.