Dock Work Regulation Act 1976

8 (1) If, at any time when the Board have under consideration proposals for a recommendation under section 8 of this Act, an express objection to the classification of any work as dock work is made by a qualified independent trade union, the Board shall not proceed further in relation to that work unless the objection is withdrawn.

(2) A trade union is qualified to make such an objection if—

(a) it is recognised by the employer in respect of workers on that work; and

(b) it appears to the Board to have been so recognised by the employer and his predecessors at all times since 18th September 1967.

In determining whether at some earlier date a trade union was recognised in respect of workers on the same work as that in relation to which the objection is now made, the following factors are not conclusive that work is not the same, that is to say, the fact that there has been a change in the methods by which the work is carried out, or that the business carrying it out has moved to new premises.

(3) Where an objection is made under this paragraph, the Board shall give written notice of that fact to all those to whom the second notice was given, or, as the case may be, to whom a second notice would have been given had the Board proceeded to give one.