7 November 2007
Unite members at the College of Law have voted overwhelmingly to have their union recognised for collective bargaining.
Of those voting in a ballot for union recognition, 73% voted in favour despite strong opposition from The College of Law management. Unite fought a long and difficult recognition campaign, where The College of Law senior management refused to agree to a voluntary recognition agreement and went as far as writing to staff advising union recognition was "confrontational".
Mike Robinson National Officer for Unite education sector said: "This is an excellent result which can leave little doubt about the determination of staff to be represented by their union.”
"The comments from The College of Law management that unions are "confrontational" were unhelpful and not designed to engender a positive working relationship with trade union members at The College of Law".
“We want to find a positive way of working with the College of Law. Our first task is to try and agree a procedure for future negotiations. Unite will be seeking to represent our members interests, including looking at a transparent and equality proofed pay system. The union will also be raising the issue of pay for both academic and support staff".
“We are hopeful that the College of Law management will now be prepared to listen to what their own staff have to say.”
The College of Law are based in York, Birmingham, London, Chester and Guildford.
