Unite staff across head office begin vote on strike action

GMB members in Unite rightly furious about the treatment of their colleagues in the BDSU.

Close to a hundred GMB members across the whole of Unite's head office will today [Monday] begin voting on whether to take further strike action over the bullying and victimisation of their colleagues in the Bargaining and Disputes Support Unit (BDSU).

A recent consultative ballot saw more than 90 per cent vote to walk out, giving a clear mandate for GMB to ballot all members in head office.

BDSU members previously took strike action in December due to a dispute regarding pay and conditions, as well as a toxic culture of bullying and victimisation.

The ballot concludes midday on Monday 10 February.

John Colquhoun, GMB Senior Organiser, said:

“Our members in Unite are rightly furious about the treatment their colleagues in the BDSU, who were suspended following the submission of a collective grievance.

“Not only that, but they also faced a counter-protest at their picket line which included senior Unite officials with banners containing slurs against their recognised union.

“For many, this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The wider membership have now indicated they are willing to support further strike action.

“GMB call on the Unite leadership to work with us to find resolution and ensure our members’ concerns are taken seriously.”