Aston student union agreement win

Aston University’s student union has signed a recognition agreement with Unite, the UK’s leading union, ensuring that its staff have access to collective bargaining and other workplace rights.

Aston Students’ Union, which manages more than 110 clubs and societies and employs around 40 people, is the first student union in the West Midlands to sign a recognition agreement with Unite. 

Aston Students’ Union represents the interests of the Birmingham university’s students through democratic processes, the running of campaigns and by providing advice and support.

The recognition agreement secures collective bargaining and negotiated rights for staff, as well as agreement on time off for Unite members to train. 

A plan to expand upon the two Unite workplace representatives already in place has also been agreed. 

Unite regional officer Andy Hall said, “This ground-breaking agreement gives collective-bargaining rights to many young people whose interests are going to be well represented by Unite. We welcome these young people into the Unite family. 

“To achieve voluntary recognition is a very positive step from Aston Students’ Union and hopefully we can build on this to broaden the representation of young people into the future.”

President of Aston Students’ Union Harry Sheppard said, “The signing of this recognition agreement means that Aston Students’ Union staff now have greater protection and more opportunities. We’re proud to be the first students’ union in the West Midlands to secure Unite recognition.”