Workplace Report March 2015

Recruitment and organisation news

Rio managers included in chosen bargaining unit

Entertainment union BECTU has won its claim for recognition at the Rio Centre in Dalston, east London, based on its chosen bargaining unit which includes all staff except the general manager.

In July 2014, senior managers and front-of-house staff circulated a petition asking for union recognition which was signed by 81% of staff. Meanwhile, the union was recruiting members and had reached 59% density – more than the 50% required to give the chance of automatic recognition.

The Rio board then agreed to recognise the union, but argued that the senior managers should not be included. However, the staff were determined to have an agreement encompassing all of them and submitted a claim to the Central Arbitration Committee which ruled in favour of the members and imposed their chosen bargaining unit.

The union is now proceeding to election of reps to support all staff in the bargaining unit.

https://www.bectu.org.uk/news/2332