What is a collective dispute?
A collective dispute is a matter concerning several employees who have raised their concerns in writing (including email) to their trade union. One or more representatives of a recognised trade union will pursue the issue on their behalf, but will be required to share the individuals’ correspondence highlighting the concerns.
If an employee wishes to raise a grievance, they should use the grievance policy and procedure.
Employees cannot raise a grievance on the same issue if they are party to the collective disputes procedure.
This procedure is not for collective negotiation.
The raising of new issues is not to occur during the dispute process unless the Joint Secretaries deem it necessary.
In all collective disputes, employees must state the ideal solution. If at the outset this hasn't been made known, it must happen before we can deal with the dispute.
This procedure intends to resolve disputes as quickly as possible. We want to resolve a dispute within one month. This is from the date it is agreed by the Joint Secretaries to be a formal collective dispute.
It is expected that both parties will work progressively to achieve this.
The procedure incorporates time limits for both stages.
Either party can seek advice from the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) at any stage of the procedure.
If both parties are in agreement this role can be extended to:
- mediation
- conciliation
- arbitration