Employers: recognise a trade union

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Complaints about and from the union

You can complain to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) if the union tries to influence the outcome of a ballot using ‘unfair practices’, for example, by trying to pressurise employees.

The Code of Practice on Access and Unfair Practices during Ballots for Trade Union Recognition or Derecognition has more information.

Make your complaint in writing to CAC. You can complain at any time until the day after the ballot closes.

Central Arbitration Committee

PO Box 80600

London

E15 9JX

What happens next

CAC may:

  • restart the ballot process
  • give the union a final warning, sometimes called a ‘remedial order’

If the union does not do what the order tells it to do, CAC can cancel the ballot and declare the union is not recognised

If the union complains

The union can complain if you:

  • do not co-operate with preparations for the ballot
  • use unfair practices to change the outcome of the ballot

CAC may give you a final warning if the union’s complaint is successful, sometimes called a ‘remedial order’.

CAC can also:

  • restart the ballot process
  • cancel the ballot and declare the union is recognised
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