Unite seeks union recognition at financial regulator
23rd July 2009
Unite the union has today (Thursday) called on the Financial
Services Authority (FSA) to urgently enter into talks to recognise
Unite as the union to represent all staff at the regulatory
body.
There is currently no independent trade union to negotiate with
management on behalf of the workforce at the financial regulator.
Unite workplace representatives in the FSA have been banned from
distributing information about the union to colleagues.
Unite already has many members at the FSA, but the organisation
continues to deny the union recognition to bargain collectively on
behalf of staff.
The announcement by the Conservative party that it plans to
abolish the FSA has caused a wave on uncertainty across the
organisation. Unite is seeking formal recognition of the 2,500
staff based in London and Edinburgh.
Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer, said: “At its annual
meeting today the FSA must consider the needs of the staff working
under massive pressure at the financial regulator. At a time of
great economic and political uncertainty at the FSA, it is more
important than ever that management and Unite representatives work
together. Staff want a union to fight on their behalf, the FSA
should stop resisting the calls of the workforce.
“There is a farcical situation in the FSA where commercial
organisations, social and religious groups are allowed stalls, to
give out leaflets to staff, and are able to put posters up, but the
trade union is not.
“Staff view the plans from the Conservative party as a bitter
blow, they need reassurance that the important work of the
financial regulator is not under threat.”
Unite has written formally to the chair of the FSA board, Lord
Turner, to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss formal recognition
of the union.
Ends
For more information contact: Saba Mozakka, Unite press office
on: 07768 693 953.
