Court of Appeal upholds Lidl workers' right to union representation

Lidl had attempted to overturn an earlier decision to allow employees at the company’s Bridgend distribution centre to have a union represent their interests but their attempt was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on Thursday 4 May.
 
The legal case was brought by the GMB union, represented by Leigh Day, on behalf of warehouse operatives in the Bridgend Lidl store.
 
Last year the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), the independent tribunal with statutory powers over trade union recognition, found in favour of the Lidl employees on the question of what the correct “bargaining unit” was, and this decision was upheld by the High Court in August.
 
Michael Newman, partner in law firm Leigh Day’s employment team, said:
 
"This is an important step for Lidl workers, allowing them to come together and getting Lidl to address their concerns on pay, hours and holidays.
 
"Lord Justice Underhill specifically said he strongly discouraged legal challenges such as this one, and we hope Lidl will take these comments on board."
 
Lorraine Gaskell, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
 
"Despite Lidl's repeated attempts at union busting, the courts have today upheld a massive victory for worker's rights.
 
"The company has shown a shocking lack of respect for the wishes of their own staff - and wasted shareholder's money with this frivolous appeal.
 
"This will pave the way for workers at Bridgend to negotiate their pay and conditions via their democratically selected union reps.
 
"Hopefully Lidl will now see sense and form a constructive relationship with us."