Spies to get a union

Spies are likely to get collective trade union representation, according

to a report in the Sunday Telegraph. It says MI5 and MI6 look set to

agree to proposals to replace the existing staff association with at

least one of the civil service unions.

The union would be allowed to campaign on employment and health and

safety issues as well as representing staff in disciplinary cases.

However, the newspaper claims that the chosen union would have to agree

a no-strike deal and would operate independently of its own national

headquarters.