TUC Cymru’s Congress has called on the new Welsh government not to offer public contracts to companies refusing to recognise trade unions.

Mia Hollsing of Rhondda Cynon Taf trades council said “under the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Wales Act, it says that all public procurement should be socially responsible — well, that means recognising a trade union.”

Ms Hollsing said that while union recognition was only a “first step, it’s an important first step.”

The motion, overwhelmingly backed by delegates, also called for a wave of insourcing with services brought back under public control where possible.

Mariam Kamish of Caerphilly trades council said Congress should press ministers not only to make union recognition a factor in their own procurement, but to mandate the NHS and local governments to do the same.

“This could deliver a massive boost to private-sector union recognition. Today it can be difficult to only use firms that are trade union organised, but the wording of this motion tacitly recognises the problem — it says no public contracts will be given to organisations that refuse to recognise unions. That gives us leverage.”

Speaking in support, Unison’s Dai Morgan said the motion if anything didn’t go far enough.

“Union recognition is an important element we need to negotiate. As we put forward our objectives for public procurement, we also need to ensure that insourcing services is considered, that staff training is considered, that local jobs are considered, environmental and equalities protections built in and we’re promoting the Welsh language.

“We should use this tool to ensure public funding is delivered for public good, not private greed.”