Code of Practice on Recognition of Trade Unions in the Workplace

Overview

Codes of Practice are written in clear terms for lay people in order to provide practical guidance on specific topics. The Department for Enterprise has powers to issue codes for the purpose of improving industrial relations.

One of these is the Code of Practice on Trade Union Recognition 2001. This Code sets out expectations and a process for recognition of a trade union in a workplace by an employer. Recognition is important because, though Isle of Man law places no obligations to recognise trade unions, recognition will enable a trade union to represent workers in discussions around terms and conditions of employment and other workplace issues. Unlike the UK, the Isle of Man has no statutory provision for trade union recognition, though officials of trade unions recognised by an employer are also granted time off for trade union duties under the Employment Act 2006.

The Code has not been updated since 2001. The Department is reviewing the Codes of Practice presently and a revised Code of Practice has been prepared.

It will be noted that the new draft Code differs from the current code in only minor ways. These are summarised in the consultation document.

Why your views matter

The Department seeks views on the revised Code in order to ensure that it meets the needs of employers, workers and trade unions.

What happens next

Following consultation, the Department will:

•            review and evaluate comments received from consultees; and

•            publish a review of the comments received; and

•            bring forward a revised Code, for approval by Tynwald.