
The union recognition dispute at Critchley Labels in South Wales, is entering its second year. The situation at the former BT factory illustrates the dangers of privatisation. Following compulsory redundancies, a refusal by management to maintain its agreement with the Communications Workers Union (CWU), and an overtime ban, the union was eventually forced into a strike ballot on derecognition.
After two one-day strikes, management threatened dismissal if workers took part in any further action. Four days into a subsequent one-week strike, all 31 CWU members were dismissed.