Call-centre staff rush to join CWU

A successful recruitment drive by the CWU communication workers' union at Indian IT company HCL's Belfast call centre has brought the union to the brink of regaining recognition in just two months.

Following a decision by the company to derecognise the CWU, an "intensive recruitment operation" was begun in July - and by the first week in September more than 200 employees at the call centre, which was sold to HCL by BT in 2001, had joined the union.

Describing the response to the campaign as "incredible", CWU assistant secretary Glynis Winestein noted that a significant proportion of the new recruits want to play an active part in the union: 18 have asked to be workplace reps.

"We're rapidly approaching the 50% membership levels which would automatically force the company to recognise the CWU, but I'd much prefer to work properly with them," she said. "HCL claim they don't need a union because they are best in practice. But union recognition will be a win-win situation for our members, the CWU and the company, providing it goes forward in a spirit of partnership."

Deputy general secretary Jeannie Drake agreed:"Staff are clearly demonstrating that they want the CWU to represent them, and HCL should listen to what they are saying."