Vodafone Forced to Recognise Labour Union

The UK based union, Connect has won a legal battle to force Vodafone to recognise it for wage negotiations. It will be the first time that a union has been recognised by Vodafone in the UK. The decision covers workers responsible for keeping the company's network running across the Midlands, North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The decision follows months of talks between the union and Vodafone in the hope of finding an agreement on recognition. The union says though that Vodafone resisted throughout the process, and it chose to apply for legally enforced recognition instead. The decision means that Vodafone must now consult with Connect on the pay, hours and holidays of the affected workers.

The union has also submitted a further claim for recognition that would cover similar workers in the South of England.

Connect's General Secretary, Adrian Askew, said "The hard work now lies ahead of us, representing our members and influencing the decisions that affect them. We look forward to building a constructive and forward looking relationship with the company, and demonstrating the long-term benefits that come from having a union voice at the table. Our membership in Vodafone is going from strength to strength and Connect will continue to look for new opportunities to ensure that all our members are heard by Vodafone management.""

Posted to the site on 23rd July 2007