The GMB union sent "Dear CEO" emails to thousands of company leaders, asserting their right to "meet, recruit or organise workers," merely three minutes after a new employment law took effect on October 30.
Under reforms spearheaded by former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, union officials and shop stewards now possess the authority to access company offices and factories. For companies with 21 or more employees, unions are entitled to demand weekly access. Employers who fail to comply with these new regulations face potential fines of up to £500,000.
The GMB, which represents approximately 600,000 workers, reminded chief executives of these changes in its communication.
The union outlined its right to convene online meetings with staff during working hours and stipulated that employers must distribute union correspondence within two business days. Employers are also prohibited from monitoring attendance at GMB online meetings or tracking engagement with union communications, including emails.
These reforms are part of Labour's Employment Rights Act, a piece of legislation that the government has previously warned could impose annual costs of up to £5 billion on businesses. Concerns have been raised that these changes are intended to boost union membership and will be costly for employers.