Public and Commercial Services Union
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Union signs new recognition agreement
The Gangmasters Licensing Authority was established in 2005 following the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers’ drowning tragedy. It regulates gangmasters providing labour to farms, fisheries and food processing sites.
The authority aims to protect casual, seasonal and migrant workers from exploitation and abuse by issuing licences to gangmasters, through the enforcement of the licence terms and by ensuring that all workers are employed by licensed gangmasters.
PCS is currently campaigning for a widening of the GLA’s remit and powers to encompass all vulnerable workers, including those in the catering, cleaning and construction trades.
The union believes this would enable better protection of migrants and other vulnerable workers, whilst also consolidating the standing of the GLA as a regulatory body leading to a better future with more opportunities for staff.
Paul Kenneally, PCS GLA Branch Chair, said, "I am pleased to say that industrial relations between PCS and the GLA have improved considerably over the past year to such an extent that we now have an excellent working relationship.
"GLA Management are fully supportive of the union’s campaign to secure the future of members’ jobs and ultimately to extend the remit of the GLA into other sectors of industry.
"We all realise that if the GLA is to succeed in its aim of protecting the most vulnerable of workers, this is the way forward."
“PCS is proud to be representing staff at the Gangmaster's Licensing Authority.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, added: “PCS is proud to be representing staff at the Gangmaster's Licensing Authority.
"Our members at the GLA prove every day that regulation and enforcement can halt abuse of workers, and we will continue to campaign to see their remit extended."
Approximately 60 people work for the GLA whose headquarters are based in Nottingham.
