Unite/BGP collective bargaining row heats up

Employees across BGP's plants were asked to take a paycut up to 20% on 5 January in light of continued struggles in the sector.

Employees were asked to vote on whether to accept a cut in a secret ballot, which Unite claimed was illegal because BGP had consulted employees individually, and did not refer to an organised union.

It was believed that there was no union recognition at the plant, but Unite lawyers have written a second letter to the company, refuting the claim.

Unite national officer Steve Sibbald told PrintWeek: "They signed an agreement a matter of years ago, so if they are claiming that we are not recognised, they could be up against it.

"We have contacted them again and I look forward to their response. We have requested a meeting; otherwise it will end up in court.

"In light of our recent case (seven former West Country Binders employees were awarded unfair dismissal claims from new company UK Book Binders), BGP should take note – because there won't be seven people claiming; there will be 400."

BGP chief executive David Holland said that there was no chapel structure at any of its sites.

He told PrintWeek: "There is no collective bargaining agreement here; there hasn't been one for many years. Less than 20% of the workforce are members and as far as we are concerned, we are not interested."