DEPARTMENT FOR
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2009/160)
issued by COI News Distribution Service on 13 May 2009
A joint statement
setting out the positive contribution that modern union reps can
make to the workplace has been launched today by the Department
for Business, the Trades Union Congress and the CBI.
Featuring real life examples where well-known companies have
worked with union representatives to bring about changes that have
been in the best interests of the employer and the workforce, the
case studies show that union reps can be a major resource in the workplace.
'Reps in Action" shows how modern union representatives
and company managers have worked together to deal with situations
that can occur in any workplace and as a result have, for example,
improved working practices, enhanced workplace training provision
or lead to a greener workplaces.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:
"Reps are the face of unions in workplaces up and down the
country, but their success stories can go unreported."
"I hope employers and trade unions alike will use these
examples to develop their own approach and deliver help that could
be invaluable to both businesses and workers."
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
"This joint publication reveals the positive contribution
that union reps can make in the workplace. In these tough times
Britain's businesses need as much support as possible. Union
reps can be a vital resource not only for unions and their
members, but also for the companies and organisations that employ them."
Director General of the CBI Richard Lambert said:
"This joint publication shows the potential benefits in
unionised workplaces of collaborative working between employers
and workplace union reps."
"As the case studies demonstrate, where unions are present,
employers and trade unions who work efficiently and constructively
can improve workplace performance for the mutual benefit of
employer and employee."
Notes to Editors
1. The full publication can be found online at http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/employment/trade-union-rights/facilities-and-facility-time/index.html
2. Publication of the case studies follows a joint project
launched by the Department for Business, CBI and TUC in April 2008
to describe the role of modern union representatives and the
positive contribution they can make to the workplace.
3. There are approximately 200,000 workers who act as lay union representatives.
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory
Reform
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