Unite sign recognition deal with Newquest Worcester

29 April 2008

Unite, the UK's biggest union representing newspaper workers has signed a union recognition agreement with newspaper printers Newsquest for the site at Worcester.

This follows a 100% ballot in favour of Union recognition at the site following on from Unite securing an Information & Consultation Agreement.

The Recognition Agreement with Unite provides for full collective bargaining. The agreement covers all employees in Press, Plate making, Publishing and Engineering at the site and gives distinct and definitive rights to collectively bargain on terms and conditions of employment and to be consulted on a whole range of other issues.

There are also rights for Trade Union facilities and activities and time off for those activities.

The agreement was signed by Ted Scott, Regional Officer, who paid tribute to the sterling work done by the local Unite chapel officials.

Steve Sibbald, National Officer for Newspapers, said: "The organising campaign at this company was unique in that we organised and established an Information and Consultation forum first, demonstrated to the employees how effective we were and then were able to recruit the required number of members and then gain formal recognition.

"We look forward to a positive relationship with the company. This is another recognition deal in the newspaper industry, which is gradually becoming unionised again."