GMB sign recognition agreement with Parliamentary Labour Party
Staff in any workplace whether it is the Houses of Parliament, or a MPs constituency office deserve the same protection as in any other workplace, says GMB London
GMB, the union for parliamentary staff, have today (Tuesday 26 June) signed a historic recognition agreement with the Parliamentary Labour Party, to represent the staff of Labour MPs.
GMB were joined by John Cryer MP, the chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, to sign the agreement.
Vaughan West, GMB Regional Officer said:
“In recent months many staff who work for MPs have come forward, sometimes anonymously, to report incidents of bullying and harassment and sometimes inappropriate sexual advances. GMB, the union for parliamentary staff, hope this agreement will mark a sea change in the way that MPs and members of the House of Lords behave towards their employees.
"Others have been employed as interns and have been working on good will. Good will does not pay the rent or the bills. GMB believes MPs should not be relying on the good will of young people desperately looking for a career, they should be paying them a proper salary for the work they do.
“Staff in any work place, whether it is the Houses of Parliament or a MPs constituency office, deserve the same protection as in any other workplace.
“GMB hope that by signing this agreement MPs and members of the Lords will learn that they must treat their staff with dignity and respect.
“We would hope that all political parties would follow this lead.”
ENDS
Contact: Vaughan West 07967 342197 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114 762
