Two deals, another to come?
Two recognition deals have been announced in recent weeks — one a voluntary arrangement and the other won through the statutory process.
Public services union UNISON and general union Unite have signed a recognition agreement with the RNIB charity for blind people. The unions will jointly negotiate with the RNIB over pay and terms and conditions and be consulted on issues such as collective redundancies, TUPE and health and safety.
The GMB general union was awarded recognition by the Central Arbitration Committee on behalf of a group of cleaners at Mitie Transport Services in Camberwell, south London. They didn’t have to hold a ballot as a majority of the workers in the bargaining unit were already GMB members.
Meanwhile, entertainment union BECTU is seeking voluntary recognition for all staff, including casual workers, below the level of senior management at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
BECTU has offered to work with the employer and the Acas employment relations service if the employer agrees.