Samaritans try to derecognise Unite

Samaritans, the charity that has helped people with their problems for 60 years, has a problem of its own — it has derecognised Unite as the union representing its staff.

Samaritans has recognised the right of the workforce to have an independent trade union and elect representatives for many years. However, the charity has recently reneged on this agreement, claiming that it does not "reflect the nature of our working relationship”.

Unite regional officer Jamie Major said derecognition goes “totally against the ethos of Samaritans”.

The union is suspicious of the charity’s motives as “Unite was informed that management wants to make sweeping changes to policies and procedures, and then derecognised the rights of staff to have an independent trade union in the same breath”.

Major said: “This is a worrying development for the 110-strong workforce. As management no longer recognise our agreement, we have no other option but to consult our members working at Samaritans about the action they are prepared to take in response.

The union has not ruled out industrial action as an option, if management refuses to negotiate.

www.unitetheunion.org/news/problemforsamaritansderecognisingunite/