Unite concerns regarding LBG preferential treatment of Accord and unwarranted solicitation of Unite members

Unite concerns regarding LBG preferential treatment of Accord and unwarranted solicitation of Unite members

The new recognition agreement between LBG, Unite and Accord comes into effect on  1st January 2025.

We are deeply concerned at the preferential treatment that is being afforded to Accord by Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) and the implications of this for trade union relations and industrial relations with LBG.

As part of the revised recognition agreement, Accord is being given a lot of help by LBG to help them recruit non-union members at grades A-C.  This includes significant investment through the services of a third-party company.

You will have seen the recent communication issued through LBG’s Workday system explicitly promoting Accord membership.

Unite has not been granted the same opportunity to communicate with all LBG workers at grades A-C. The bank is arguing this is due to a weighting clause in the recognition agreement, which appears to be a direct consequence of Accord’s decision to share details of their members with LBG.

This is a practice Unite firmly opposed on grounds of data protection and protecting members identities. LBG’s position is that due to Accord sharing their members data, they were granted a better deal.

Unite shared high-level national density figures to safeguard our members privacy and as a result we were excluded from access to these favourable recruitment incentives.

It is deeply concerning that Accord, a fellow TUC trade union, has chosen to exploit this situation by allowing an email to be sent out by LBG to all A-C workers, knowing that it will be received by Unite members.

There was no mention that there are two unions, or that the communication was only intended for those who are not already in a union.  Nor did Accord inform Unite that this communication was being sent.

The TUC has clear rules on inter union relationships and Unite are now considering what action to take regarding the situation.

Unite is committed to protecting the interests of our members and upholding the values of fairness and integrity in our dealings with employers and fellow trade unions. We will continue to stand firm in advocating for equitable treatment for all unions and their members within LBG.

We urge LBG and Accord to reconsider its approach.  Whatever the outcome of that your membership of Unite is valued. 

Your membership of an independent trade union which is focused on jobs, pay and conditions means that together we can make a difference.

If you have colleagues and friends who are not already a union member, please ask them to join today at https://join.unitetheunion.org

If you need help, support or advice of any kind please contact your local Unite rep or email lbg.support@unitethenion.org

With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Your Unite in LBG team