Plymouth Council follows US Trends?

People Management magazine has an interesting article about the state of unions in the US and asks - is the UK is going the same way? Although the tone of the article is ‘partnership is good ‘ it touchstones the developments in the US – lower union density, de- recognition, more conflict and threats of strikes. http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2011/08/state-of-the-union.htm?area=er

International pressure on Plymouth Council to re-recognise UNISON

The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) - which represents 8 million public service workers from more than 275 unions - has called on Plymouth City Council to re-recognise UNISON.
http://www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=7157

From Ohio to Plymouth - reactionary employers must not win

In the US state of Ohio, 350,000 public sector workers are waging a political struggle to overturn legislation removing their collective bargaining rights. A union backed group "We Are Ohio" has mobilised 1.3 million signatures on petitions to force the anti union law, introduced by Republican State Governor John Kasich, to a referendum in November. National unions have pledged at least $25 million to the referendum campaign and 10,000 volunteers, mostly union members, are geared up to canvass voters:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904070604576516792725473986.html

Plymouth derecognises UNISON for resisting cuts in pay & conditions

In a union busting move redolent of the worst private sector employers, Tory led Plymouth City Council has derecognised its largest trade union UNISON - for resisting pay cuts. The Council says it will now impose inferior pay and conditions on 1 September. UNISON is mobilising support from members and other local government unions to overturn this unsustainable decision:http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/story-13153729-detail/story.html