The negotiation process often involves a good deal of research and fact finding. Most agreements are reached by negotiation and a position is arrived at that satisfies both the union and the employer. If this is the case, the union will recommend the position to its members. If they reject the recommendation, the talks have to start again, or in some circumstances the employer will impose the new arrangement. That is where industrial action comes in.
Industrial action hits the employer but it also hits the members taking action.
They lose their wages and they risk losing their jobs. That is why the branch only ever considers industrial action after a consultative ballot of members. Industrial action can take many forms from banning certain aspects of work, to selective stoppages and all out indefinite action. Forms can be obtained from the branch office, see home page for address. There is also an intial 30 minutes free advice line and a free wills service.