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PRESS RELEASE: Workers vote for Union Recognition

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Date / 18thFebruary 2005

Employees at one of Melkshams’s major employers, G Plan Upholstery Ltd, have voted in favour of union recognition in a postal ballot.

The final result was 99 in favour and 12 against, recognition for GMB (Britains General Union).

The vote took place after half the factory’s production staff called for recognition by joining GMB or signing a petition. GMB then sought statutory recognition through the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee which handled such applications under the law.

Speaking on behalf of GMB, Kevin Brandstatter, GMB Organiser for Wiltshire and Swindon said:

“The result of this ballot is a massive victory for trade unionism in Wiltshire and for GMB in particular, and continues a trend of growing GMB membership throughout the county.”

“While major employers and academics keep forecasting the death of independent trade unionism, this key vote by workers in explodes that particular myth.”

“This is the second successful recognition ballot in Wiltshire for GMB. In September 2004, GMB secured recognition at Reliance Monitoring Services which has a centre in Swindon. That vote was won by 156 votes to 6. “

“We have recently been approached by workers in other companies in the county asking for us to help them get organised and get recognition so that they too may have the benefit of an independent voice”

Note

GMB membership in Wiltshire has grown to well over 3000 members and includes workers in local authorities, health service trusts, the Ministry of Defence, the gas and electricity industries, major retailers such as Asda and Wilkinsons,

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