A major Scottish children’s charity is “undertaking a review of how employee voice operates” amid claims it is attempting to “derecognise” a trade union.
The union Unite has claimed Children First was trying to derecognise it as part of a “provocative and ultimately counterproductive course of action”.
But the charity, which has 257 staff, said a review aimed to ensure employee voices across the charity remained “strong, effective and fit for the future”.
Billy Thomson, industrial officer at Unite, said: “Unite has the workforce’s support and on this basis we would prefer to enter meaningful dialogue with [Children First], but if it chooses to inflame the situation then we will have no option but to fight back at every turn.”
Unite declined to provide details on how many Children’s First employees were union members.
Children First describes Unite as its “recognised trade union partner”, according to its Fair Work First statement.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said the charity was proud of its “inclusive, values‑led culture, shaped by love, purpose and strength”.
She said: “Listening to our people so they feel heard, valued and able to influence decisions that affect them is at the heart of our culture”.
The charity’s review is focused on “strengthening and modernising” its approach so all staff have “clear, accessible and meaningful opportunities to contribute”, said Glasgow.
“Our people consistently tell us they are deeply committed to our mission to protect Scotland’s children, and that commitment is one of our greatest strengths,” she said.
“This review builds on an already positive culture.
“We have sought to engage constructively with Unite and have been trying to arrange a meeting to discuss this review with them.
“We remain open to meeting with Unite and are committed to handling this process openly and respectfully.”