Strike action threat over ‘bullying’ claim
UNION REP NOW ‘UNDER INVESTIGATION’
HIGHWAY teams, street cleaners and park rangers at Calderdale Council could soon go on strike over allegations of bullying at the local authority.
It comes amid claims the council opened an investigation against a GMB Union representative for his comments about a presentation given at work.
The union rep made remarks that no one could see or hear the presentation, which was being shown to employees in a large tent.
The incident led to the council launching an investigation against the GMB Union rep, but the union has now claimed their representative is being ‘bullied by management.’ A spokesperson for Calderdale Council said the union’s version of events ‘do not accurately reflect the Council’s position.’
If enough members vote for industrial action today (May 16), it could result in members of the authority’s Green Spaces and Street Scene, Transport and Community Protection teams going on strike. Jake O’Malley, Calderdale
GMB organiser, said: “Our members are angry that soon after their rep and union raised their concerns with the council over the anti-trade union stance we see at Calderdale, managers have now launched this investigation into his ‘alleged behaviour.’
“We and they have no more information than that.
“From what we can tell so far, our rep seems to be under attack for criticising a presentation that staff were shown in a big tent that no one could see or hear – pathetic by any measure.
“We all know this isn’t what’s behind this and rest assured we will support our rep.”
The union added it has requested an ‘urgent’ meeting with the council, but its ballot for industrial action will go ahead as planned on Monday.
In a statement, Zohrah Zancudi, Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Services, said: “We are aware of the GMB’s intention to launch an indicative ballot.
“The details of the dispute as stated by GMB do not accurately reflect the council’s position.”
From what we can tell our rep seems to be under attack