Union-busting behaviour of Management at Didcot DHL will fail to win over legal entitlement to recognition for GMB members
GMB London Region has been representing members at DHL Didcot who are calling for union recognition. At a meeting in November 2022, GMB announced it would be making an application to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), qualified by statutory criteria of membership density at the workplace, contrary to DHL Management’s accusation which doubted GMB density.
GMB, the union for workers in the courier industry has heard from members at DHL Didcot who do not believe that a current management-run forum is effective or provides GMB members with a voice for change. Membership has increased and recognition is what members at the site are calling for.
Following the meeting in November, GMB received a letter signalling a change of heart from DHL Management, both parties arranged a further meeting. At this meeting, DHL management and GMB agreed on a path forward. In a subsequent email sent to GMB in late November, the email stated that proof of GMB membership numbers at the site was no longer required and to proceed with a commitment to move towards negotiations and site visits.
Steve Garelick, GMB London Region Organiser said:
“GMB has now learned that disappointingly, DHL has retreated and has once again requested confirmation of the number of GMB members at the site from the CAC.
Therefore, GMB has advised management that the Union will not engage further until the CAC has confirmed this information, proof that GMB’s density is sufficient to enforce a statutory recognition agreement between the employer and GMB.
“GMB trusted DHL to do the right thing, but it is clear to GMB that DHL Management and HR would prefer to be adversarial with what can only be described as union-busting behaviour. The culture and arrogance of management at DHL Didcot must change, starting with the tone of engagement because statutory recognition is long-term and will mean GMB will bargain for our members regardless of management’s attitude towards unions.”
Editors Notes
Contact:
Steve Garelick, GMB London Region Organiser 079 6776 3980
