Commentary Circumstances in which the CAC must arrange a ballot
57.Section 6 amends paragraphs 22(4) and 87(4) of Schedule A1.
58.Paragraph 22(4) currently sets out the three criteria which the CAC must apply when deciding whether it must arrange a recognition ballot under Part I of the Schedule in cases where the union has more than 50% of the workers in the bargaining unit in its membership. The second of these criteria, set out in paragraph 22(4)(b), requires a ballot to be arranged where “a significant number of the union members within the bargaining unit inform the CAC that they do not want the union (or unions) to conduct collective bargaining on their behalf.” The CAC thus needs to assess whether it has been so informed, but it is not empowered to assess whether the information it receives reflects the genuine views of the trade union members concerned. Section 6(1) replaces paragraph 22(4)(b) and provides greater discretion to the CAC when deciding whether a significant number of union members do not want the union to bargain on their behalf by empowering the CAC to assess the credibility of the evidence it receives.
Section 6(2) makes the same change to paragraph 87(4) of the Schedule which deals with the case where the CAC is deciding whether it must arrange a ballot in respect of a new bargaining unit which has been agreed or determined under Part III of the Schedule, and more than 50% of the workers in that new bargaining unit are members of the union.