What is union recognition and why is it important?

While Community achieves wins for our members in various ways, through individual support, policy changes and campaigns, one thing is vital in helping us win for our members – union recognition. Through recognition, we can achieve much more collectively for our members, and make a large impact in the workplaces we represent.

In this blog, we’ll explore what union recognition actually is, why it is important and how you can start the conversation around getting Community recognised in your workplace.

What is union recognition?

Recognition is a formal acknowledgment by an employer that a trade union, or multiple trade unions, represents a large number of the workforce (this is also known as a bargaining unit). In the UK, recognition must be actively sought by the trade union and its members. This can be achieved through one of two routes (more on this later).

Once a union is recognised, it gains the right to negotiate with the employer on terms and conditions of employment. This recognition is underpinned by a collective bargaining agreement, similar to a contract, which outlines what the union can collectively bargain on. Examples include pay, terms and conditions, policy, health and safety, equality and diversity and pensions.

Why is union recognition important?

Collective bargaining

The most significant aspect of recognition is that it gives us, as your trade union, the ability to engage in collective bargaining. This allows us to negotiate directly with the employer on important matters such as pay, policy, working hours, terms and conditions and much more.

Collective bargaining allows us to unify the voices of all Community members in the workplace to address major issues and concerns at work. With recognition in place, employers MUST sit at the table and negotiate with us, rather than deciding that employee concerns aren’t important. In addition, under recognition, employers cannot implement changes in the workplace without consulting the union or members first.

As your recognised union, we can play a huge part in safeguarding your job through job protective measures, supporting you and your colleagues through restructuring and ensuring your employer adheres to the correct consultation processes before making any significant changes in the workplace.

Training and development opportunities

Through recognition, unions like us have a say in the training and development opportunities for you at work. This ensures you have access to opportunities to upskill and enhance your employability, contributing not only to the growth and success of the workplace, but also to you as an individual.

Paid time off for reps

With a recognition agreement in place, union representatives are entitled to ‘facility time’, which allows them paid time off to undertake their duties as a trade union rep. This could include undertaking training, representing members on issues in the workplace, and even reviewing and writing workplace policy. It’s no overstatement to say that reps having more time to undertake their duties not only ensures you are safer at work, but also we are stronger as your union.

How do I get Community recognition?

Recognition can be achieved via two main routes, both of which can be easily achieved through having a large Community presence in your workplace or branch. So if you haven’t already, speak to your colleagues and encourage them to join Community. 

By having a large Community membership in your workplace, we can take either of the following routes to recognition:

Voluntary recognition route

With a large membership in a workplace, we can speak with your employer and ask them to enter a voluntary recognition agreement with Community. As a modern trade union, this is our preferred method of securing recognition for our members, as we want to work with GOOD employers who have their employees’ interests at heart.

There are many benefits to employers in entering a voluntary recognition agreement, including:

• the employer being a direct contact for negotiations
• it shows their commitment to the workforce
• improved employee morale
• better policy and procedures, backed by the employer’s workplace experience
• direct access to all employees.

Statutory recognition route

Should the voluntary recognition route fail, we can go down the statutory recognition route through the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC). To go down this route, we need to show that:

• Over half the workforce are Community members (the 50% plus one rule); or
• demonstrate that the workforce would welcome Community recognition through a ballot. The turnout MUST BE at least 40%, and a majority must vote in favour of union recognition. 

No matter which route we go down, the thing that is most critical in achieving recognition is having enough Community members in the workplace, so make sure to spread the word today and get your colleagues signed up. With enough members, even if your employer is hostile toward trade unions, they must sit at the table and negotiate with us under the law.

How do I start the process of getting recognition?

It’s great to hear you’re thinking of securing Community recognition at work. To start the process, either contact us or fill out your details via the form here. We’ll then get in touch about how we can work together to get Community recognised in your workplace.

In the meantime, make sure you are having conversations with your colleagues around joining Community. As mentioned previously, the best way to secure recognition is through having a strong and active membership in the workplace.