How do we go about claiming union recognition?

Union recognition means an acknowledgement by the employer that a union has the right to represent and/or negotiate for its members in the workforce in a variety of situations.

Many employers are prepared to recognise unions where there is significant support amongst the workforce.

It is best to invite the union's full-time official to approach the employer. The involvement of ACAS through their conciliation service may be helpful.

If the employer agrees to recognise the union there will usually be a collective agreement setting out:

• which categories or grades of worker are covered
• how union representatives (e.g. shop stewards) are to be elected
• what matters, (e.g. pay and hours), the parties can negotiate about
• what union facilities, (such as office space, use of telephones, time off), are available.

Where the employer refuses to recognise a union, and there is sufficient support, the union may ask the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to investigate with a view to requiring the employer to recognise under the Employment Relations Act 1999.