‘Bully boy tactics’

Troubled outsourcer Mitie is facing the threat of legal action amid accusations of blacklisting after bosses threatened workers at the Sellafield nuclear processing plant with disciplinary action if they didn’t reveal whether they were a member of Unite the union.

The threat from Mitie bosses comes as over 180 Unite members employed as security guards, cleaners, catering, vending and laundry operatives prepare to take part in two 10 day periods of strike action later in the month over pay rates of just ÂŁ8.45 per hour.

In a move which Unite warned would undermine attempts to reach a negotiated settlement, Mitie bosses have written to workers demanding to know if they are member of Unite and if they will take strike action.

In response Unite’s legal team has written to Mitie warning them that their ‘bullying’ tactics are in contravention of the Employment Relations Act 1999 (Blacklisting) Regulations 2010, in addition to breaching the secrecy of industrial action ballots laid out in the Trade Union and Labour Relations Consolidation Act 1992.

Unite has announced two 10 day periods of strike action, the first beginning at 12.01am on Friday, April 19, concluding at 6am on Monday, April 29, 2019, followed by a further strike beginning at 12.01am on Saturday, May 4, concluding at 6am on Monday, May 13. This will be complemented by a discontinuous ban on overtime commencing at 12.01am on Friday, April 19 2019.

“Resorting to bully boy tactics straight out of a blacklister’s play book will only inflame this dispute and undermine attempts to reach a negotiated resolution,” said Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong.

“Mitie bosses need to start talking and address the concerns of our low paid members who play a vital role in the day to day running of Sellafield.

“Unite will not stand by and allow our members to be subject to threats of disciplinary action for standing up for better pay.

“We would urge Mitie to drop the threats and get around the negotiating table to hammer out a deal that meets the concerns of our members.”