Roar justice

‘Paws’ the lion, Unite East Midlands Community mascot, today (Wednesday October 15) had his first outing at Chesterfield magistrates’ court.

He joined campaigners highlighting Sports Direct’s ‘shameful’ treatment of workers as criminal proceedings start against David Forsey, the company’s chief executive.

“Paws has been highlighting the sense of injustice that Sports Direct workers feel,” said David Condliffe, Unite community coordinator.

The company is famous for its zero hours contracts and Dickensian treatment of staff.

The charges Forsey faces relate to an offence contrary to section 194 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

Warehouse staff in Scotland were given just 15 minutes notice that they were losing their jobs.

Pride of Unite

“Paws has proved really popular and was well received by the public today,” said David.

Paws the lion, Unite Community and industrial members were joined by members of the public who chanted, ‘who’s going to roar with Paws against injustice’.

“We even signed up two more Community members off the back of the protest,” added David.

Unite has launched an online petition calling for an end to ‘draconian’ working practices and an end to Sports Direct’s reliance on zero hours contracts.

Follow the lion

Follow Paws on twitter as he travels the county fighting injustice @paws4unite