The experience of BECTU members at Sky could change the law
on union recognition for the better.
The current review of the Employment Relations Act includes proposals
for the addition of new clauses aimed at outlawing what BECTU
saw as dirty tricks deployed by Sky both in Scotland and London
during the recognition campaign last February.
With the help of the revised law, employers who exceed their
rights to communicate their views on a recognition claim using
the proper processes could face the grant of automatic recognition.
The new draft Bill aims to ban employers from:
And perhaps most crucial of all:
BECTU members and staff faced unprecedented levels of intimidation
in the run up to the Sales staff ballot and the biggest threat
of all was the loss of call centres jobs in Scotland.
"The proposed changes to the law are a direct response to
the complaints made by BECTU about the behaviour of Sky last year.
A difficult experience for Sky staff could result in positive
changes which will enable more workers who support union recognition
to secure the help they need", commented Sharon Elliott,
BECTU official. The draft provisions are currently being debated
in the House of Lords.
