A contractor  has withdrawn their notice to de-recognise unions.

After sitting at loggerheads with unions for two weeks - Mears Ltd announced today they are withdrawing plans to change the recognition agreement with the unions the GMB, Unite, Ucatt and Unison.

The ongoing dispute has now been cooled and all parties have agreed to meet on September 12 to explore long term solution regarding the agreement.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service will adjudicate. 

Mark Turner, GMB Branch Secretary, said "Although we are very pleased to see Mears reverse their decision on de-recognition, the joint trade unions are fully aware that there is still a lot of work to be done on both sides at the meeting planned for September.

“Having ACAS involved to both facilitate and lead those discussions is a further positive step. It should do much to ensure that all sides are happy with any end agreement and that going forward all parties then work within the spirit of that agreement."

The protest demonstration outside Brighton Racecourse on August 19 has been called off.

Gary Palmer, GMB Organiser, said "Mears conciliation in removing the threat of de-recognition means the joint unions will immediately reciprocate and therefore we have agreed to halt all planned actions against them, including in the first instance the August 19 Brighton race day demonstration.

“I look forward to now sitting down with Mears and ACAS to settle our differences and move forward within the spirit of an approved agreement."