A NORTH-EAST crisp maker is being singled out by a union invoking ground-breaking new legislation on recognition for its members.

The GMB Union says Walkers Snacks, which employs about 420 people at the former Tudor site in Peterlee, has persistently refused to recognise trade unions.

But the new Employment Relations Act, which came into force last week, means unions which have majority support in the workplace will be able to claim recognition, paving the way for negotiation over pay and conditions.

The GMB, unhappy at Walkers' stance, is today sending a formal letter to the company as a last-ditched attempt to secure a voluntary agreement, as required by the new legislation.

The move gives the American-owned firm four weeks, before facing more stringent legal sanctions.

Walkers, which has its head office in Leicester, says it has had extensive talks with all its employees and asked for their views on how they wish to be represented.

"As a result we have asked the GMB for a voluntary ballot, in line with the legislation, to decide the way forward based on the wishes of our employees," said a spokeswoman.

But Kevin Rowan, education and research officer with the union in Newcastle, said: "The officer there has met with the management of Walkers and it just isn't going anywhere.

"If all else fails we will be pursuing them through the legal processes."

This would involve the newly-formed Central Arbitration Committee, set up to rule on recognition wrangles.

The GMB has six other major North-East employers in its sights, including Pride Valley Foods at Seaham, Via systems on Tyneside and SK Chilled Foods on Teesside. At the latter, officials have even resorted to standing at its factory gates to recruit members amid claims bosses ignored invitations to talk