Unions clock up more recognition gains

Birkenhead-based ship repair company Cammell Laird signed a new recognition deal with the AEEU engineering union and GMB general union at the end of January. The deal covers 3,000 workers and represents the first time that unions have been recognised at the company since the mid-1980s when Cammell Laird was part of the nationalised British Shipbuilders. The deal received nationwide media coverage as it was signed at 10 Downing Street with the personal backing of prime minister Tony Blair.

And workers at Enable residential care homes in Cumbernauld in Scotland have voted 98% in favour of being represented by public services union UNISON. UNISON Scotland claims it is the first ballot to be held along the lines set out in the new recognition legislation which should come into effect later this year. John Lyons, voluntary sector officer for UNISON Scotland, said the union got a 75% turnout among the 80 staff after being told by management there was no interest in union membership. He added: "This is a tremendous boost for workers in the field, many of whom have been put off joining a union."