The GMB union sent 'Dear CEO' emails to thousands of company leaders just three minutes after a new law granting unions access to workplaces officially came into effect. The correspondence informed executives of their obligation to provide union officials access to meet, recruit, and organize workers.
These changes are part of radical employment rights reforms spearheaded by former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The new legislation empowers shop stewards and union officials to access offices and factories. For companies with at least 21 employees, unions can now demand weekly access. Employers who fail to comply face potential fines of up to £500,000.
The reforms, which fully came into force on October 30, also outline the union's right to invite all staff to online meetings during working hours. Employers are required to distribute union correspondence within two working days and are prohibited from monitoring attendance at union meetings or tracking engagement with union communications, including email.
The GMB represents approximately 600,000 workers. The union's swift action highlights the immediate impact of the new legislation. Concerns have been raised by employers regarding the potential costs associated with these reforms, with the government previously warning that Labour's Employment Rights Act could cost businesses up to £5 billion annually.