PUSH FOR UNION RECOGNITION AT BSKYB

BECTU are urging BSkyB members to recruit colleagues in a bid to win union recognition.
In a letter to existing members at BSkyB workplaces, including the satellite broadcaster's call centres, the union have reported that their drive to attract new recruits had been given a warm welcome.
Staff throughout the company have been contacting the union for advice on disciplinary and grievance cases since the union launched their recruitment offensive last year. BECTU officials are now allowed to accompany staff facing formal interviews with managers.
Off-site meetings have been held to allow staff to vent their feelings about the company's lack of consultation over changes, and a new formula for bonuses which has made it more difficult for call centre staff to earn extra payments.
In Scotland, where BSkyB runs two large call centres, staff are said to have responded positively to BECTU's participation in the ‘It's your call’ campaign run by the TUC across the UK.
The union are planning to use new trade union legislation to win formal recognition at the company, which would open the way to full negotiations on issues like pay and working conditions.
Over the coming months the union will be trying to sign up as many new members as possible at BSkyB, and will also be distributing pledge cards with which staff can indicate their support for union recognition. (CD)