The deal covers administrative, technical and sales staff at Corby, where production workers have already won recognition.

GPMU deputy general secretary Tony Burke said the move was a positive step and was pleased with the way management at the plant had conducted itself during negotiations. Quebecor human resources director Paul Robertson-Marriott declined to comment, however.

Agreement had been reached following the involvement of ACAS which verified union membership in the office and administrative areas at Corby.

Burke said the attitude of the company in the UK was in stark contrast to Quebecor World in the US, where GPMU sister body  the Graphic Communications International Union is still fighting for union rights at a number of Quebecor plants.

The US government's National Labour Relations Board has issued complaints against Quebecor in the US. It has also filed charges against the company in Nevada for allegedly unlawful anti-union conduct.

He also paid tribute to east of England branch secretary Vernon Robson and organiser David Monaghan for their part in negotiations with Quebecor.

The move for recognition was also significant coming so close to the merger with Amicus. The staff who have just won recognition would be among those the union would be encouraging to join Amicus, said Burke.

The GPMU will become a sector, one of the largest, within Amicus in the next few weeks.

Story by Andy Scott