Business News

Unite Gains Recognition at Kamns Paper Mill, Leicester

Friday 18. July 2008 - Unite members have won a ruling on collective bargaining at Kamns Mill, the hygiene paper manufacturing section of the Leicester Paper Company, employing 84 workers.

The CAC hearing on the question of determining the bargaining unit, held on the 12th May 2008 and attended by a Unite team headed by National Officer, Peter Ellis heard the company’s case against recognition from a Queens Counsel, two solicitors, the company CEO and the Mill Manager.

Hearing the evidence from both sides, the Central Arbitration Committee ruled that the union’s claim for recognition was admissible. The panel ruled that there were no circumstances identified in legislation that led them to believe that a ballot was appropriate. Consequently, they awarded recognition of the bargaining unit.

Peter Ellis, National Officer, said, “We have been organising for years in LPC in what can only be described as ‘very hostile circumstances’. This fantastic result is a testament to all the hard work done by our organising team and the resolve of our determined membership. We look forward to putting the past behind us and engaging the company in a constructive dialogue that will lead to a better working environment for workers at the Kamns Mill.”