Trade Union Complaint

[Marked Man]

Having recently been dismissed from work I wish to complain about the poor job my union did of representing me. Throughout the entire disciplinary process they gave me poor advice and balked at asking relevant questions on my behalf. I feel the outcome ie. my dismissal was affected by my representation and I wish to take this matter further.

 

Problem is I am not sure who to complain to. Does anyone have any advice they could pass on please? Should I complain to the union itself or is this something the TUC would deal with or another body altogether. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[elche]

PM Paul GMB he is a union rep I think

[Marked Man]

PM Paul GMB he is a union rep I think

How do I get in touch with this chaap, my man?

[elche]

Click on 'search' above. Type in paulgmb - Find a thread he has replied to - Click on his name - choose 'contact info' - click on 'send a private mesage'

 

Dunno if he'll help but he seems to know a bit about unions - I think he's a rep .. no idea which Union though ...lol

[Cellbar]

Hiya - yes you can complain but in all honesty, if its dealt with internally you dont really get much action - so I would recommend seeking legal advice from specialists if you can.

 

I am currently suing my Union for negligence, but there are very few specialist solicitors for this sort of thing to be honest. do you have legal cover on your house insurance or are you entitled to legal aid?

 

The only solicitors I am aware of who deal with this sort of thing are based in Wales, but you could contact them and just ask for initial advice to see if you have a case etc, they are called Hugh James. can't hurt to sound them out.

[mortlake]

That's really useful - I'll look Hugh James up: thanks!

There used to be a Comissioner for the Rights of Trade Union Members, which the Labour government abolished a few years ago. I don't know how to find out which lawyers they used in the small number of cases they took on.

 

There's been one recent case of an ex union member suing the NUT for membership dues back under (I guess) an implied contract to provide the services that most people join for, under the sale of goods and services act. The report was originally in a Coventry News and Star and then transcribed to

Employees.org.uk - trade union failure and what to do about it

 

There have been a couple of cases of people alleging discrimination to an employment appeal tribunal, which seems to hear cases of discrimination by unions against categories of members. In both cases the unions have won by saying "we're bad: tough" (Unison) or "our rule book gives you zero rights, sucker". (University and College Union)They're both referenced somewhere on the same site - one has its own page - from transcripts on

 

BAILII - United Kingdom Employment Appeal Tribunal

 

...a search for "union" might bring up similar cases.

 

If the union's defence is that they reasonably thought they should not devote an official or a paid lawyer to the case, and, if wrong, it is fair to make mistakes, then I guess it's untrue: some unions have admitted to using no-win no-fee lawyers and charging them referral fees. Maybe a freedom of information act request to the Certification Office could get them to produce detailed accounts? Or BERR, the government department that hands out Union Mordernisation Grants? Just a thought.

 

Hope it goes well

John