Strike at Unite begins over 'toxic bullying culture'

Workers have started a four-day strike to challenge ‘bullying’ and ‘victimisation’, despite attempts to suppress industrial action

GMB members employed in the National Bargaining and Disputes Support Unit (BDSU) gathered outside Unite’s head office in central London today to protest the union’s toxic workplace culture.

They voted to walk out after Unite failed to suspend managers accused of bullying and victimised those who spoke out.

All members involved in the collective grievance have instead been suspended from work ahead of the strike action.

The strike will run from today until Friday 6 December.

Danny Adilypour, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“Our members are sending a clear message that they will not tolerate the toxic bullying culture and victimisation they have experienced at Unite.

“We have consistently seen underhand tactics used to undermine these workers’ legitimate concerns and their right to pursue industrial action.

“Most recently we have even seen GMB branch meetings monitored, names of attendees recorded, and unsolicited emails sent to them to try and undermine the strike action.

“Today they were met by a counter-protest, in yet another attempt to intimidate them. This is a further example of the culture they are challenging.

“We again call on Unite to suspend the managers accused of bullying behaviour, rescind the punitive suspensions of BDSU staff, and get around the table to resolve this dispute.”