UNISON has signed the Joint Negotiation and Consultation Committee (JNCC) Terms of Reference: Collective Bargaining with Cornerstone.
Despite having a recognition agreement since 1995 Cornerstone introduced an Employee Forum 8 years ago which effectively removed all bargaining rights away from UNISON to this unelected staff body.
Deborah Clarke, UNISON Head of Community said, “As you know the relationship between UNISON and Cornerstone has been under considerable strain over the last six months, however we have now turned a corner and put UNISON back as the sole body with which Cornerstone negotiates and consults as per the recognition agreement.
“This is very good news. We have re written the Employee Forum Terms of Reference to remove any rights to negotiation and consultation.
“The new EF:Terms of Reference were agreed by the board in January. This means that we are now better placed to represent the Cornerstone Members.”
Deborah paid tribute to the Cornerstone stewards.
“These stewards have done an exceptional job over the last six months with this very difficult employer. This represents a huge success for our members.”