Concern at treatment of Unite rep at St Mungos
Targeting the convenor: full support from the branch
The leadership team at St. Mungo's is targeting the Lead Unite Convenor at St Mungo’s in an attempt to intimidate and restrict Unites ability to build momentum in the run up to a ballot for industrial action. Unite's Housing Workers branch have condemned this attack and give full support to Aftar Malik who was merely defending his members. Unite demands that this warning be rescinded immediately. An attack on any rep is an attack on the union.
Defending a union member
On Tuesday 11th June the Unite Convenor - Aftaar Malik, was given an informal warning for "using an aggressive, unprofessional and confrontational tone". This was related to Aftaar defending a union member at a disciplinary hearing and highlighting serious flaws in an investigation report as well as procedural issues.
On Wednesday 12th June the Unite Convenor was asked to leave the Managers Forum in an aggressive and intimidating way with no reason given. This is despite Aftaar receiving and accepting an invitation to attend, in keeping with his substantive role and line management responsibilities. It is was then announced from the stage to all delegates that Aftaar was asked to leave. This act and its manner of execution was clearly intended to intimidate the union and its members.
Challenge any attempt to victimise a Unite rep
Two of our dispute issues with management are 'Attacks on the union' and the 'Draconian use of Discipline', the issues highlighted above show clear examples of this. Attempted intimidation of the Unite Convenor should give us all cause for concern. We believe this is a direct result of the current dispute with St Mungo’s. Unite will continue to fight for members both on an individual level and collectively by resisting senior managements attempts to cut terms and conditions for staff. Unite will challenge any attempt to victimise a Unite representative for standing up against an employer for workers’ rights.
Comments :
This is intolerable. I send solidarity and support. This must be challenged!