Trade Union News
Good news to report - the full-time official sacked by Unison after almost 30 years service with the union - has been reinstated.
Apparently, an appeal panel has overturned the original decision - and quite rightly so in the eyes of every right-minded union person - that I've spoken to recently.
Here's what was said on the blog site back in August 2009.
Union Fires Official for Taking Side of Low Paid Women
"Another fascinating article appeared in yesterday’s Sunday Herald – here are the key details of the piece - written by Paul Hutcheon.
A veteran trade union negotiator has been sacked in the middle of a multi-million pound dispute over equal pay.
Ken Seaward, a Unison regional organiser, was dismissed by his union after a fall-out over how to handle the thousands of pay claims made by low paid women.
The 59-year old, who was fired for alleged misconduct, is understood to be a staunch critic of Unison urging its members to settle for a figure that protects councils from having to cut their budgets.
Female workers are currently pursuing equal pay claims. It is estimated that around 35,000 cases have been lodged with employment tribunals.
However, it is understood that tensions exists within Unison on how to approach equal pay claims.
Senior union officials have in the past urged female members to sign “compromise” deals with councils.Other union figures believe the women should hold out for the full amount to which they are legally entitled.
Seaward, the Unison official in charge of negotiating with Midlothian Council, is said to be in the latter camp.
The Sunday Herald can reveal that the official, who has 29 years’ service, has been sacked for alleged misconduct and bringing Unison into disrepute.
Seaward was dismissed after his union upheld complaints made by Midlothian Council – and he is expected to appeal the decision.
Eddy Coulson, a former Unison regional organiser, said: “What Unison have done to Ken is bang out of order. This is all a question of Unison not wanting to upset the established order.”
Another senior trade unionist said: “There is definitely a split within the unions, which are male dominated, on how to deal with equal pay. There are tensions between and within the unions.”
It is also understood that some Unison members believe the union’s hierarchy is too close to the Labour Party and to local authorities.
Unison advised its female members in Glasgow to sign a “compromise” agreement in 2005, an approach opposed by some of the union’s members.
David O’Connor, while a branch secretary at Unison said: “We have approached pragmatically the issue of what can be afforded by councils without job losses and loss of services.”
Since the Glasgow deal was struck, Unison has been the subject of legal action by former members unhappy at the agreement the union advised them to sign.
A Unison spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individual disciplinary cases, particularly while they are still in process.”
Seaward declined to comment."
Apparently, an appeal panel has overturned the original decision - and quite rightly so in the eyes of every right-minded union person - that I've spoken to recently.
Here's what was said on the blog site back in August 2009.
Union Fires Official for Taking Side of Low Paid Women
"Another fascinating article appeared in yesterday’s Sunday Herald – here are the key details of the piece - written by Paul Hutcheon.
A veteran trade union negotiator has been sacked in the middle of a multi-million pound dispute over equal pay.
Ken Seaward, a Unison regional organiser, was dismissed by his union after a fall-out over how to handle the thousands of pay claims made by low paid women.
The 59-year old, who was fired for alleged misconduct, is understood to be a staunch critic of Unison urging its members to settle for a figure that protects councils from having to cut their budgets.
Female workers are currently pursuing equal pay claims. It is estimated that around 35,000 cases have been lodged with employment tribunals.
However, it is understood that tensions exists within Unison on how to approach equal pay claims.
Senior union officials have in the past urged female members to sign “compromise” deals with councils.Other union figures believe the women should hold out for the full amount to which they are legally entitled.
Seaward, the Unison official in charge of negotiating with Midlothian Council, is said to be in the latter camp.
The Sunday Herald can reveal that the official, who has 29 years’ service, has been sacked for alleged misconduct and bringing Unison into disrepute.
Seaward was dismissed after his union upheld complaints made by Midlothian Council – and he is expected to appeal the decision.
Eddy Coulson, a former Unison regional organiser, said: “What Unison have done to Ken is bang out of order. This is all a question of Unison not wanting to upset the established order.”
Another senior trade unionist said: “There is definitely a split within the unions, which are male dominated, on how to deal with equal pay. There are tensions between and within the unions.”
It is also understood that some Unison members believe the union’s hierarchy is too close to the Labour Party and to local authorities.
Unison advised its female members in Glasgow to sign a “compromise” agreement in 2005, an approach opposed by some of the union’s members.
David O’Connor, while a branch secretary at Unison said: “We have approached pragmatically the issue of what can be afforded by councils without job losses and loss of services.”
Since the Glasgow deal was struck, Unison has been the subject of legal action by former members unhappy at the agreement the union advised them to sign.
A Unison spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individual disciplinary cases, particularly while they are still in process.”
Seaward declined to comment."
