Shocking news that Newham Council have sacked UNISON branch Chair Michael Gavan yesterday.This is unremitting bad news for Newham UNISON, Newham Labour Party, Newham Council and of course Michael.
I expect further strikes and disruption and if the appeal against dismissal fails (before a panel of local Newham councillors) then an absolutely disastrous and hugely damaging employment tribunal will take place.
There is a rally and lobby at the House of Commons at 7.30pm Tuesday 11th December 2007 Committee Room 9.
UPDATE: I have replaced the Newham logo with a photograph of it after Ian Thompkins the Head of Newham Council "Communications" has contacted me and "asked" me to remove it from my blog. Check out this post for further details.
2 comments:
John, this is indeed bad news. I agree completely with your comments. It appears that Michael has been sacked simply for representing his members and I know that many Labour Party members will be shocked and angered by such an attack on free Trade Unionism.
It is not for nothing that the labour movement commemorates the Tolpuddle Martyrs, transported in 1834 for trade union activities (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolpuddle_Martyrs). And the sacking of this conscientious trade unionist obviously has national as well as local significance.
Adrian
So what were the allegations against him?
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