Small rise in applications for recognition
Applications for union recognition under the statutory procedure have risen slightly over the past year, according to the annual report of the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), which conducts the procedure.
There were 38 applications in the year to March 2015 against 30 the previous year. Only nine different unions made applications and 70% of them came from the manufacturing, transport and communication sectors.
Over the CAC’s 15- year existence, unions have made a total of 907 applications for statutory recognition; 268 completed the statutory process and were granted recognition by the CAC.
However, this does not tell the whole story. Many applications are withdrawn and the union and employer agree recognition voluntarily instead.