A WOMEN’S domestic violence charity is facing tribunal proceedings in a row over union recognition.

Advisers at Solace Women’s Aid in Tower Hamlets have applied for trade union recognition via the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).

United Voices of the World (UVW) members called off a planned strike last July originally co-ordinated with Solace’s Barnet service, after Tower Hamlets management agreed to begin negotiations on a voluntary recognition agreement with the union. 

But seven months on, they accuse managers of having failed to meet agreed deadlines, disengaged from negotiations and returned proposals with unreasonable demands.

One of the advisers said: “Last summer, we agreed to work collaboratively with management on union recognition and suspended industrial action in good faith.

“Seven months later, no meaningful progress has been made. While we advocate every day for survivors of abuse, we feel our own voices continue to be disregarded by the charity we work for.

“We had hoped to reach a voluntary agreement, as originally agreed, but this now appears unattainable.

“Consequently, we have been left with no alternative but to submit an application to the CAC. It is regrettable that Solace has not upheld the commitments it made.”

UVW general secretary Petros Elia said: “Management’s continued stalling and unreasonable proposals are leaving front-line domestic violence advisers without a formal voice at work and undermining trust and morale.

“These are front-line workers doing emotionally demanding, lifesaving work, yet they are locked out of decisions about their own jobs.

“Union recognition exists to give workers a collective voice and basic protections at work. It is not an unreasonable demand; it is the bare minimum.”

The charity was contacted for comment.