The Diocese of Leicester has signed an agreement with trade union Unite to represent its clergy and lay staff, the first of its kind to be signed by a Church of England diocese.
On Friday, Bishop’s Council announced that it had approved a voluntary union recognition agreement between the Diocesan Board of Finance, Leicester Cathedral, Bishop of Leicester and Church of England Clergy and Employee Advocates (CEECA).
Unite said the agreement ensures collective bargaining rights for clergy stipends and staff pay and terms and conditions for both.
It comes after the Church of England recently approved a 7% stipend increase after CEECA members submitted a pay claim for the first time in the church’s history.
‘We recognise the importance of trade union representation for healthy employment relations’
The agreement encompasses all clergy holding the bishop’s licence for ministry in the diocese and staff employed by the bishop’s office, cathedral or Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance, a registered charity with around 92 employees.
It does not cover employees of parochial church councils (PCCs), as each PCC is a separate charity in its own right.
The Diocese of Leicester said the agreement “doesn’t bind any employee or member of clergy to become a member of the union and neither does it prevent those who may already be members of other unions from calling on their own union representatives to represent them in any future HR processes”.
“The agreement means that the diocese recognises the importance of trade union representation for healthy employment relations; the union’s responsibility to represent its members interests; and the importance of good practice in matters of employment and office-holding,” it said.
“It also commits the diocese to consulting with the union on matters of interest to clergy and staff in relation to their employment or (if office-holders) engagement (such as pay, health and safety, and equal opportunities), and to further developing wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion, and anti-harassment policies and procedures for clergy, staff and applicants.”
‘Leicester diocese is leading the way’
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “A huge well done to CEECA’s activists for negotiating this historic agreement.
“CEECA performs tireless work within the church at both a local and national level that’s resulting in real benefits for both clergy and lay staff. Unite looks forward to seeing the agreement being replicated at dioceses around the country.”
Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, said: “I’m pleased to have, alongside the Diocesan Board of Finance and Leicester Cathedral, entered a voluntary agreement with CEECA, part of the Faith Workers’ Branch of Unite the Union, following an approach from the Union.
“I hope the agreement serves as a reflection of our close working as a diocese with CEECA over recent years and our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our clergy, authorised lay ministers, and staff.”
Leicester dioceses workplace rep Peter Hobson said: “We’re delighted that Leicester diocese is leading the way in recognising the value of an independent voice speaking on behalf of its clergy and other staff.
“Even when you work for God, your terms and conditions are still drawn up by human beings, and we all know that a healthy church can only be helped by healthy employment practices for its staff.”
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