Labour Research May 2001

Union news

Recognition body shows its teeth

Red Letter Bradford and Fullerton Computer Industries became the latest employers to have recognition imposed on them through the new statutory procedures.

In the case of Fullerton, the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) agreed with the ISTC steel and community union that, as it had already recruited more than half the workforce, a ballot would create antagonism in the workplace and make it less likely that future industrial relations were harmonious.

In two recent cases, at Hygena and at Essex Chronicle, the CAC has accepted the company's arguments in favour of different bargaining units, leaving the unions to decide whether to continue pursuing the claims.