telecoms: union-busting backfires
WORKERS, MAY 2003 ISSUE
T-mobile's attempt to stop union recognition by hiring the American union-busting firm TGB has backfired badly. At present just under half of the eligible staff are in unions, but now support is growing as non-members feel angry with the firm.
TGB has been active in T-Mobile, advising managers, drafting anti-union leaflets and leading presentations to staff. Employees have also been called in to speak to the union busters, either in groups or alone. An example of its propaganda is a warning that if the unions are recognised for collective bargaining, “You will have to accept anything the unions negotiate on your behalf”! It is also using smear tactics to suggest that employees will have to go on strike and comparing this with FBU action.
TGB advertises services for “union avoidance” on its website and is known for its strong-arm tactics. The CWU is confident that they will win the ballot on 9 May as workers recognise the benefits of a unionised workplace.