Journalists at the UK’s national news agency say they have made a “significant step forward” in their bid for union recognition.

Editorial staff at PA Media have been working towards introducing collective bargaining in their workplace, after forming a National Union of Journalists chapel in 2021.

After PA management refused to recognise the union voluntarily last July, the chapel took its bid for statutory recognition to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).

The CAC has now ruled that, on the balance of probabilities, a majority of workers in the proposed bargaining unit would be likely to support the chapel’s application for the NUJ to be recognised for the purpose of collective bargaining.

Delegates from the chapel will now meet with PA management meet to negotiate an agreement on the scope of the proposed bargaining unit.

PA Media has said it will respect the process – but reiterated its view that union representation is “unnecessary.”

A PA chapel spokesperson said: “This is a momentous occasion and we are delighted all the hard work has paid off to enable us to reach this critical point in our journey towards a fairer workplace.

“We believe union recognition and the establishment of a recognised bargaining unit is the only way for hundreds of PA editorial staff working across the UK to have a real say on pay and other important issues.

“While the CAC finding this is a very welcome step, the hard work has just begun and we will need everyone’s support to get over the next hurdle.”

The chapel will now be launching a ‘Real Say, Better Pay’ campaign to highlight the benefits of collective bargaining and union membership.

A PA Media spokesperson said: “At PA Media we actively consult with all editorial staff on business decisions and encourage widespread engagement to promote a positive, inclusive working environment.

“We value our employees and their views and will respect this process but our position remains that union representation is unnecessary.”