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Union recognition victory for UK call centre workers
10 February 2006
UK call centre workers employed by a low cost air carrier have won a year-long battle for union recognition.
Call centre workers based at EasyJet’s call centre in Luton voted overwhelmingly for the ITF-affiliated Transport and General Workers’ Union (T&G) to represent their interests.
Although the T&G had an agreement covering other EasyJet workers, the bid to organise in the call centre was fiercely contested, to the extent that the company prevented the union from contacting the workforce.
However, effective union campaigning which began a year ago eventually turned the situation around: after detailed representations to the Central Arbitration Committee, which adjudicates on trade union recognition issues, the committee ruled last June that an application for recognition should proceed. Confirmation was received on 3 February that a ballot amongst EasyJet staff involved showed 144 in favour of the T&G with only six against.
The union now has the right to represent staff in collective negotiations with management on pay, holidays and general terms and conditions of work.
John Street, T&G Regional Industrial Organiser, commented: "The T&G has a wealth of experience in the aviation industry in all sectors so we are naturally pleased our members at EasyJet’s call centre in Luton have voted for us to represent them in negotiations."
"This is a very good day for us and, we believe, for EasyJet," added Street. "Strong unions mean strong companies and we look forward to meeting very soon to discuss the future."
The ITF is supporting a campaign to organise call centre workers, led by global union for skills and services, Union Network International.
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