UNIONS hailed a victory for “democratic processes” today after a massive majority of staff at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) defied bosses and voted for statutory union recognition.

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) said 77 out of 90 of its members at the London-based organisation had turned out to vote, with 85 per cent voting in favour.

Employees hope the result can set a precedent in the traditionally under-unionised charity sector, the union stressed. 

The stunning result came after voluntary recognition requests from workers were rejected on three occasions, according to the union, despite the RSA awarding IWGB a “future of work award” in 2019.

At the time, the body said the gesture was in recognition of the union’s work securing “major successes for gig [economy] workers in the UK through public campaigning and legal cases.”

IWGB accused management of “obstructive behaviour” after the campaign for union recognition went public, including dismissing one employee during their notice period.

Union president Alex Marshall said: “Despite the best efforts of [chief executive] Andy Haldane to undermine members, we are pleased to see democratic processes run their course and allow the majority to use their voice to secure their seat at the table.

“[We are] proud to represent workers in charities across the country who deeply care about their jobs and want to create and maintain progressive and democratic workplaces.”

Following the victory, the union repeated its calls for bosses to award staff a pay rise that “matches the cost-of-living crisis” and abolish the use of precarious fixed-term and zero-hour contracts. 

An RSA spokesperson said it will now “work with IWGB to ensure appropriate mechanisms are put in place for effective collective bargaining. 

“We anticipate that everyone will move forward positively together.”