Union busting on the rise

Evidence that more employers are using anti-union consultants to fend off union recognition bids is emerging from an academic study at Cardiff University. The New Unionism Research Project is monitoring union organising campaigns, including the response of managers to organising activity. Its latest report, which includes data from 34 campaigns in non-recognised establishments, found that in over a quarter (27%) of cases union organisers reported that employers had "hired consultants to help them resist unions".

Organisers also reported victimisation of union activists in 39% of cases, with active union members being threatened, harassed and even dismissed. And in 24% there had been the threat of legal action or police involvement against the union.

The information on manager responses comes from union organisers, and the study notes that most senior union officers play down the influence of union-busting consultants. It also found that, while "elements of opposition are reported in most non-union organisations . this opposition has taken a concerted or rather ruthless form in only a minority of cases."

But the authors say that, "nevertheless, we were surprised by the frequency with which use of management consultants was reported and, given the American experience of union-busting, this is an issue that should be monitored carefully."