Time for compulsory union recognition?

A couple of stories in Ireland and the UK have come to light over the last couple of weeks, which to me have underlined the need for compulsory union recognition.

The first such case was in the Eye Cinema in Galway, where one worker was dismissed after being active in promoting union membership, and a group of workers were suspended. They had not been receiving their legal entitlements (paid public holidays, increased pay for working Sundays and after midnight). The last update I received was that there was still a battle ongoing over their right to have SIPTU recognised as their union.

This situation came as quite a surprise to SIPTU, particularly given Eye Cinema’s courting of a ‘good company’ reputation, including winning two O2 ability awards for commitment to people with diverse needs.

Meanwhile, the Guardian have been reporting an equally disturbing story from Norwich this week. UNITE the union have been attempting to organise workers in the Kettle Foods factory (manufacturers of the posh Kettle Crisps!). They are a company which even UNITE have been at pains to point out are “a good company with a decent record”.

However, the threat of union organisation has led them to employ a US union-busting company, to try and prevent the 340 workers from joining UNITE.

These are two ‘good companies’ – the type of companies so often heralded by many of our own members as examples of how capitalism could develop a heart. But when even these companies are actively blocking unions from organising, and are refusing to recognise unions which have organised workers, where do we look to next?

I believe it is now time for compulsory union recognition in Ireland, as private sector unions are far too often left powerless by the refusal of companies to recognise them. I’ve long since argued that the Trade Unions need to adapt, and to make themselves more attractive to workers who have been fooled into believing they don’t need union protection. But we also need legislative change that supports the work of the unions in these areas.

In the meantime, strikes continued outside offices of the parent-company of Eye Cinema over the weekend, while chatter is beginning about a potential boycott of Kettle Chips if the union busters are successful.