Unite The Union head office staff to be balloted for strike action
An indicative ballot of GMB members in Unite’s head office saw over 90% of participants vote in favour of strike action.
GMB members in Unite’s head office have voted in an indicative ballot to take strike action, after being outraged by the bullying and victimisation of their colleagues in the Bargaining and Disputes Support Unit (BDSU).
Over 90% of those balloted voted for strike action. They will now be formally balloted to strike in the New Year.
Unite has suspended all GMB members in the BDSU who submitted a collective grievance and entered an industrial dispute to challenge the bullying and victimisation they experienced in their workplace.[1]
Meanwhile, Unite has failed to suspend any of the managers accused of bullying.
A strike called by the BDSU members involved took place earlier this month.[2] A vote by their colleagues in head office to take strike action would represent a furtherance of this dispute.
Danny Adilypour, GMB London Regional Organiser, said:
“Our members at Unite have sent a clear message of solidarity with their suspended colleagues.
“Unite has tried to dismiss claims of bullying and victimisation in the BDSU as ‘vexatious’ and has refused to engage in mediation talks.
“Their handling of this industrial dispute and treatment of their staff has understandably caused wider concerns amongst our members in Unite’s head office.
“This is why they have voted in an indicative ballot to take strike action - saying with one voice that bullying and union-busting will not be tolerated.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
[1] GMB London - Unite employs 'union-busting tactics' and suspends staff about to strike
[2] GMB London - Strike at Unite begins over 'toxic bullying culture'
