Voting For Democracy And Fairness In Cable & Wireless

Ballot papers for union recognition in Cable and Wireless are being received today (Friday 23rd May) in a David and Goliath battle which sees CWU standing up to an employer hostile to trade union recognition and the notorious union-busters the Burke Group.

359 ballot papers will today land on the doormats of Cable & Wireless field services, field engineers and support staff. The question is simple and fundamental to employment rights: ‘Do you want the CWU to be recognised for the purposes of collective bargaining on your behalf?’

Billy Hayes, general secretary, said: “We are asking Cable & Wireless employees not to be fooled by the scare tactics of the company, to put aside any fears and vote for a future in which they have a say.

“We don’t understand C&W’s hostile approach towards union recognition in the UK as they recognise trade unions all over the world in their global operations. They are sending a very negative message to their employees by actively blocking union recognition and bringing the Burke Group in raises further questions about their intentions.

“We welcome the strong financial results of the company announced this week and believe greater credit should go to the loyal workforce which has delivered the result. As research proves, union recognition will improve the terms and condition of employees and will contribute to further stability and prosperity for the company.”

The ballot closes on 9th June and the result will be announced on 11th June.

Current laws stipulate that for union recognition to be granted, 40 per cent of the workforce must vote yes as well as a majority of those who vote. CWU has been pursuing this recognition claim on behalf of members since May 2007.

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