TUI Holidays has been urged to “think again” by trade unionists after refusing to enter negotiations on union recognition.

The German-based travel transnational has turned down an offer from the TSSA union to discuss potential recognition and collective bargaining agreements covering its retail staff.

The collapse of Thomas Cook a fortnight ago has left the TUI Group as the only major tour operator in Britain that integrates booking, transport and accommodation into its holiday package.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes wrote to TUI managing director Andrew Flintham to remind him of the recognition agreement that the union had retail workers at Thomson Travel, before that firm was absorbed by TUI in October 2017.

However, TUI responded that tit would prefer that staff share their concerns through “informal and formal networks” in the workplace, rather than through a recognised union.

Mr Cortes said: “I would urge TUI to think again. They have nothing to fear from union recognition, which gives their staff a real say over their rights, pay and working conditions. 

“We already have several dozen members at TUI and a truly progressive employer would not offer up sham structures as anything comparable with membership of our union. 

 “We remain open to discussions with TUI on union recognition. We want to resolve this issue amicably.

“However, the company’s Britain and Ireland board should reflect on the fact that our union can be a great friend but also a formidable enemy – we aren’t going away quietly.”