GPMU south west branch officer Steve Smith said a number of white collar staff at the company had expressed that they were unhappy with conditions, and felt they were being left behind in terms of negotiations over items such as wage increases.

When we approached management and told them how many staff had joined the union, I think they were surprised at the level, he said.

Smith said as the union had a good relationship with the company, he was pleased that management had chosen to sit down with the GPMU and negotiate a deal.

The deal, which was signed on 20 November 2003, gives a voice at the plant to 50 white-collar staff, including production workers at the magazine printers.

Smith hinted that the Purnell white-collar recognition deal might not be the last within the group, with at least two more likely to happen.

Polestar UK Print human resources director David Crowe said the discussions between management and the GPMU had been conducted in a positive manner.

The resultant agreement provides a constructive way forward for Purnells, he said.

Polestar Purnell prints magazines, retail catalogues and travel brochures for clients such as IPC Magazines, News International, Trinity Mirror, Saga Publishing, Ikea, The Readers Digest Association and Courts Furnishers.

by Andy Scott