Unions take to workplace gates

Organisers from two unions were at workplace gates last month in recruitment drives aimed at securing full representation for workers.

Members of the T&G general union distributed information to staff at Screwfix Direct as part of its campaign for recognition at its base in Stoke on Trent. The company, currently part of the Kingfisher group, has declined to recognise the T&G despite the presence of what the union describes as "a considerable and growing membership" among the 520-strong workforce.

The T&G decided to step up its recruitment activities after Screwfix said it was bringing distribution specialist Wincanton in to run the centre, causing fears and uncertainty among staff.

"We have approached this employer to sit down and discuss our members' concerns," said T&G regional industrial organiser Any Hughes. "However, they have refused us this facility despite our members' genuine concerns regarding the transfer to another employer."

The CWU communication workers' union, meanwhile, has begun a long-term relationship-building campaign at outsourcing company SITEL, which has just merged with ClientLogic.

Officials handed out leaflets outside the gates of SITEL's three offices on 22 February, and answered questions from staff going to work. They "received a welcoming response from potential members and received several enquiries about membership," the union said.

The CWU is already recognised at ClientLogic, which has about 1,500 employees. National official Sally Bridge said it is "a natural transition to organise within SITEL", which has a similar-sized workforce.

Managers at the Newcastle site, which has 800 staff, invited the officials on a tour of the building, which the union sees as good relationship-building for the long term.