Union reaches for the sky in civil aviation campaign

The T&G transport union's drive to strengthen union organisation in the civil aviation industry received a boost this month as it signed a recognition agreement with low-cost airline Flybe.

In a ballot of employees, a majority of 94% to 6% voted to recognise the T&G in a turnout of 89% - a result made more remarkable by Flybe's attempt to hire an American firm of "union busters" in order to defeat the union's organising campaign.

"Industrial labor consultants" the Burke Group - who boast a 96% track record of facilitating "union avoidance" - sent out communications in an effort to dissuade workers from supporting a union presence at the airline, but the T&G successfully made representations to Flybe to dispense with their services. "Flybe workers will now have collective bargaining to raise issues of concern to them, including progress on sector pay and breaks," said Sharon Graham, the union's head of organising campaigns. "We look forward to a constructive working relationship."

The recognition deal provides for about 20 shop stewards and nine health and safety reps at the company, now Europe's largest regional low-cost carrier following its acquisition of BA Connect last month. Approximately 400 cabin crew in Belfast, Southampton, Birmingham, Guernsey, Jersey, Norwich, Exeter, Edinburgh and Glasgow are covered by the agreement, and the union will also represent BA Connect employees as they transfer to Flybe.

The civil aviation industry has 60% union density, and the T&G's approximately 50,000 civil aviation members make it the biggest union in the sector.

"The T&G sees extending its reach into newer areas, including low-cost carriers and cargo, as essential for the terms and conditions of all workers in aviation," Graham said, adding that the Flybe victory "sends a strong message to the aviation sector that there are no 'no-go' areas for unions".