Letters

Published: 08/04/2004, Volume II4, No.5900 Page 24 25

It was disappointing to read David Spratt's letter (pages 26-27, 25 March) which reintroduces that old favourite, for those who mistrust or dislike trade unions: namely, how can we have legitimate representation processes with staff if unions are not involved?

The simple answer is you probably cannot and the reason for that is that only through a representative structure with a guaranteed element of independence will staff be legitimately able to represent their views.

It is the independence (from the employing organisation) that allows trade unions to offer staff the most effective way of representing their collective views. This is why, even after all these years of trying, no-one has managed to introduce a genuinely representative staff structure without trade unions.

Rightly or wrongly, trade union structures are a reality in the NHS workplace. It is likely to be a better use of time to develop partnership approaches rather than seek to undermine or replace them.

Pete Sutton Director of organisational development and human resources Bexley Care trust