The Future for Statutory Recognition

In 1968, when the Donovan Commission presented its report, it made a direct association, which we assert is still relevant today, between the right to freedom of association and trade union recognition. This implies that any system which places limitations on the rights of trade unions to represent their members and to bargain with employers must offend against the fundamental principle of freedom of association, as enshrined in Conventions 89 and 98 of the International Labour Organisation. Donovan was published at a time when voluntarism still represented the dominant mode of industrial relations in the UK, delivering high levels of collective bargaining coverage and an industrial relations system where a majority of those in work could exercise their voice through representative organisations. However, the system that Donovan acclaimed is now fatally damaged. Trade unions represent an increasingly smaller proportion of the workforce and collective bargaining coverage does not even extend to half of all workers.