Unions start campaign for recognition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Employees' leaders are targeting companies to persuade them to recognise unions in anticipation of laws planned by the Labour Party.
The main steel union ISTC, in partnership with other TUC affiliates, will begin the campaign today with Johnson Matthey of north London and Canadian company Co-Steel which has a plant at Sheerness in Kent.
Both companies have withdrawn recognition from unions - the only organisations in the steel and metals sector to do so - but both may have to reverse the decision should Labour be elected. Unions in other parts of industry are expected to adopt a similar strategy.
Tony Blair has pledged that businesses will be legally obliged to deal with unions where a majority of employees in a workplace vote for it. The ISTC claims majority membership at both plants. Albion Pressed Metals, part of the German Thyssens group, which has never recognised unions, will be next on the hit list.
Union officials at ISTC argue that the election of a Labour government in the spring is inevitable and that it makes sense for companies to deal with unions voluntarily rather be forced to do so after potentially acrimonious litigation. Union leaders argue that a similar approach was successfully adopted over European Works Councils where scores of companies established consultative procedures before a European directive was introduced on 22 September.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments