110.The provisions for statutory recognition in Part I apply only to unions with a certificate of independence. Part VII of the schedule deals with the possibility that an independent union recognised under Part I might lose its certificate of independence. If this were to happen, the union would be treated as voluntarily recognised by the employer, but the statutory support for the bargaining arrangements would cease. Part VII also deals with unions which have made an agreement for recognition and for which a bargaining method is imposed via Part II; again, if such a union were to lose its certificate of independence the statutory support for the bargaining arrangements would cease.
111.Paragraphs 149 and 150 provide that Part VII applies to unions recognised by a declaration of the CAC (under Part I or Part III) or which obtain a legally-binding bargaining procedure under Part II. Paragraph 152 means that the bargaining arrangements cease if the Certification Officer withdraws a certificate of independence from the union or, if more than one union is jointly recognised, from all the unions. Paragraph 153 provides for the bargaining arrangements to be restored if a union successfully appeals against the Certification Officer’s decision to withdraw the certificate of independence.
112.Paragraph 154 means that if the bargaining arrangements cease to have effect under this Part, then the employer can derecognise the union without having to go through the procedure in Part IV or Part V, or negotiate to change the bargaining unit without following the procedure in Part III. If the union appeals successfully against the loss of certificate, the original arrangements will come into force again.
113.Paragraph 155 concerns the requirement to consult on training (section 5 of the Act). If the requirement lapses because a union loses its certificate of independence, but then resumes because the union appeals successfully, the first consultation meeting must be held within 6 months of the day on which the bargaining arrangements take effect again.
Commentary on Sections Trade unions Part VII: Loss of independence