Request Trade Union Recognition Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to formally request your employer recognises your union for collective bargaining, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong request trade union recognition should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State it is a formal request for recognition under Schedule A1 of TULRCA 1992
• Identify the union and the bargaining unit
• State that a majority of workers support recognition
• Request voluntary recognition discussions within 10 working days
• Warn that a CAC application will follow if no agreement is reached

How formal trade union recognition actually works

If your employer doesn't currently recognise your union for collective bargaining, you can formally request recognition — and where a union already has significant membership support, this process (via the Central Arbitration Committee if the employer doesn't agree voluntarily) has been simplified under recent Employment Rights Act 2025 reforms.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of the union and the specific group of workers (bargaining unit) covered
• Evidence of membership levels among that group
• A formal request for voluntary recognition for collective bargaining purposes
• Confirmation that a formal application to the CAC will follow if voluntary recognition isn't agreed

Why proposing voluntary recognition first is often the smarter approach

Many employers prefer to agree recognition voluntarily rather than go through a formal CAC process — approaching this constructively, with clear evidence of support, gives your employer a genuine opportunity to agree without needing the more adversarial formal route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of support is generally needed for recognition?
Where a formal ballot is needed, the union now needs a simple majority of the votes cast — the former rule that at least 40% of all eligible workers in the bargaining unit must vote in favour was removed on 6 April 2026.

What if my employer simply ignores this request?
You can proceed with a formal application to the Central Arbitration Committee, which has powers to determine recognition even without the employer's agreement, provided statutory thresholds are met.

[Your Name]
[Your Union Position, e.g. Regional Organiser]
[Union Address / Email / Phone]
[Name / Job Title, e.g. Chief Executive]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Request for recognition under Schedule A1 to TULRCA 1992

This is a formal request, on behalf of [Name of Union], for [Company Name] to recognise the union for collective bargaining. It is made under Schedule A1 to the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

The bargaining unit we propose is [e.g. all hourly-paid warehouse staff at the Manchester site].

A majority of the workers in this group support recognition. [e.g. [number] of the [number] workers are union members.]

Please reply within 10 working days, either agreeing to recognise the union or agreeing to discuss voluntary recognition.

If we cannot reach agreement, we will apply to the Central Arbitration Committee.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Union Position]