Lidl DC workers win right to join union
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Lidl’s attempts to overturn a ruling ordering them to allow staff trade union representation.
Last year the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), the independent tribunal with statutory powers over trade union recognition, dismissed Lidl’s attempts to block warehouse operatives employed at the company’s Bridgend distribution centre from having a union represent their interests.
The High Court then upheld the CAC’s decision in August.
The Court of Appeal again confirmed the right of GMB to ballot members for recognition within the company after the supermarket's objections were thrown out.
Lorraine Gaskell, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “Despite Lidl's repeated attempts at union busting, the courts have today upheld a massive victory for workers’ rights.
“The company has shown a shocking lack of respect for the wishes of their own staff – and wasted shareholder’s money with this frivolous appeal. This will pave the way for workers at Bridgend to negotiate their pay and conditions via their democratically selected union reps. Hopefully Lidl will now see sense and form a constructive relationship with us.”
