Key recognition deals reached

Two major recognition agreements were reached last month, giving union protection to over 9,000 workers.

Public services union UNISON reached a deal with children's charity Barnardo's. Barnardo's has 6,000 staff, representing more than 1% of the UK's voluntary-sector workforce.

The deal came after 75% of the staff voted in favour of representation by UNISON as opposed to a non-union staff council.

Both UNISON and Barnardo's welcomed the move as a significant and positive development in the long-standing but informal relationship between the two organisations.

UNISON regional officer John Loudon said the charity's decision to recognise the union "sets a standard in employee relations within the community and voluntary sectors that other similar employers would benefit from emulating."

The other big recognition deal was struck between the GMB general union and Stanley Casinos, Britain's largest casino operator. The deal will cover over 3,000 workers in England and Scotland.

Although the GMB has a number of recognition agreements with some casino groups in London, this is the first national deal. It adopts a "partnership approach...where business success and the key role employees play in this is recognised by both parties," according to the union.

GMB Scotland regional secretary Harry Donaldson said: "We welcome this ground-breaking initiative creating a new model of partnership."