Reino Unido - Restrictions in freedom of association for agency workers (2011)

The UK Equality and Human Rights Commission published the results of an inquiry into the recruitment and treatment of agency workers in the meat and poultry processing sector in England and Wales. It found evidence of widespread poor treatment of agency workers both by agencies and by user enterprises. Moreover, it found that abusive treatment was less common in organised factories, and stated that “In workplaces where unions are recognised, or have a strong presence, we found that they provide a significant degree of protection for workers”. However, some workers reported that their right to freedom of association had been restricted and also reported instances where hostility of companies towards union activities discouraged people from joining a union for fear of retribution.