Pressure grows on sparks to scrap check-off

Pressure is mounting for the electrical contracting industry to scrap its check-off arrangements following the formation of Unite.

The "need to create a cohesive and consolidated construction sector" must be one of the top priorities of the joint executive of newly launched union, according to Len McCluskey, assistant general secretary of its TGWU section.

McCluskey said the creation of Unite now presented the opportunity to resolve once and for all the bitter policy split over check-off between the electricians in the TGWU and those in the Amicus section of Unite.

A statement by the TGWU executive emphasises its support for a change to the rules on check-off payment of union dues currently operated by the electrical contracting Joint Industry Board.

It underlines "the necessity for all individual members of Unite to be responsible for paying their own membership subscriptions and for the rectification of any agreements where this is not presently the case."

McCluskey said that policy "will be pursued vigorously" at the Unite joint executive council.