UK bosses and workers come together in groundbreaking agreement

The contract is the result of consultations between the British Printing Industry Federation (BPIF) and the Amicus union organisation earlier this year. The agreement is in contrast to the divisive developments in industrial relations affecting the industry in Australia.

The Partnership at Work joint initiative addresses 12 key objectives that were identified as common to employers and employees in an extensive survey of BPIF and Amicus members.

Key issues in the agreement include increased dialogue between employers, employees and their union, improving productivity and profitability, reducing excessive overtime working, assisting employees to adapt to change and enabling effective recruitment.

The launch of the scheme follows the successful ballot of Amicus members employed in the printing industry and working under the organisation's national agreement with the BPIF. The members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new national agreement covering working conditions.

Gerry Sutcliffe, UK minister for employment relations and consumer affairs, officially launched the Partnership at Work agreement in a keynote address made at the DTI Conference Centre in London.

"This agreement demonstrates that everyone from the ground floor up has an interest in making their organisation succeed. I'd like to congratulate the BPIF and Amicus for their success in securing this agreement."

Tony Burke, assistant general secretary for Amicus, expressed delight at the launch that the agreement had received such overwhelming support from its members, securing a majority of more than 2 to 1.

"The new Partnership at Work deal will move industrial relations in the industry into the 21st century. The new, modernised agreement takes into account the technical and economic changes that have occurred in recent years as well as reflecting the many social changes," says Burke.

Burke also emphasises that the agreement will allow a wide range of issues to be discussed in a fresh manner. "Discussions will take place on a regular basis between ourselves and the BPIF, with the help of an independent chair to work through any issues, whilst recognising the interests of both sides."

Ken Iddon, speaking on behalf of the BPIF, labels the ballot result as significant achievement for printing in the UK. "This is a significant milestone for the whole of the printing industry, and this landmark partnership will enable us all to benefit from a more modern and vibrant industry, which now has a much brighter future."

The BPIF is the UK printing industry's leading trade association, with approximately 2,200 members. It runs a strong regional network of advisors in six regional business centres to support printing companies in the UK.