Setback for union in Dorchester dispute

The T&G union has lost its challenge for recognition at London's Dorchester hotel, Park Lane, after a decision that grants casual staff parity with their permanent colleagues.

The dispute between the T&G and the Dorchester reached stalemate in October after the union claimed it had the legal right to collectively represent operational staff's interests. A petition had showed majority support. But the Dorchester argued this did not represent a true majority, as casual staff had not been included.

To settle the matter the independent Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) was brought in and told the Dorchester it could include casual staff booked to work up until 29 December in the total. The union, however, claimed it remained locked out of adding signatures after 1 November, despite receiving 130 more after this time.

At the hearing on 2 December the CAC ruled that although the union met the legally required number of union members among the petitioned staff, it was still not satisfied that the majority favoured collective bargaining.

The union has now questioned the fact that the hotel's operational staff total grew from just over 500 before arbitration to nearly 600 at the hearing

"We believe the Dorchester has been moving the goalposts," said Dave Turnbull, regional organiser for the T&G. "The staff want recognition and feel cheated by both the CAC's decision and the Dorchester's actions throughout this process."

The Dorchester refuted the claim and said it had been totally transparent throughout.

The T&G vowed to fight on and is looking at the option of a judicial review.

by Chris Druce

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 19 - 25 December 2002