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Union Recognition - Employment Relations Act 1999

On 27 July 1999 the Employment Relations Act, the Fairness at Work legislation, became law. The Act is the most significant legislative advance for working people and their trade unions for more than 20 years. It shifts the balance of legal rights at the workplace.

This leaflet deals with the new legislation on trade union recognition which came into force on 6 June 2000. There are separate Thompsons' leaflets on trade union and individual rights and family friendly rights

Contents

Recognition

Statutory right to union recognition
Written request
Small employers
First and second periods
More than one application is made
Acceptance period and admissibility
Union already recognised
Sufficient support
Joint applications
Three year rule
Withdrawing applications
Bargaining unit
Different bargaining unit
Majority membership
Ballot
Recognition granted
Voluntary recognition
Changes affecting bargaining unit

Derecognition

Principles
Fewer than 21 workers
Ballot
Automatic recognition
Non-independent unions

Detriment

And dismissal
And recognition