Just received information that Centrepoint has has suspended lead Unite shop steward Phil Rose and Unite member Maxine Campbell for exposing the fact management have installed CCTV cameras without consultation.
After enquiries to the Information Commissioners Office by the union shop stewards, it had been discovered that the charity Centrepoint has not registered the CCTV security system within the Data Protection Act 1998 and therefore acting illegally as an employer – an offence under the act. Centrepoint management has also illegally installed video cameras within staff areas to spy on staff. This was reported to the management by Phil. As a result, he was immediately suspended from the workplace without following any lawful procedures. This action means of course, that Phil has also been removed as a union shop steward.
This is a blatant attack on trade unionism and an outrage which should be condemned by all trade unionists. Trade unionists are being suspended (under Gross Misconduct) for doing their job, defending workers’ rights and exposing illegal behaviour by management.
This is what you can do to express your outrage:
- Send message of support to Phil & Maxine via Branch Sec David Nissen sec@housingworkers.org.uk & cc membership Liz.Campbell@unitetheunion.org
- Sign this petition
- Note there may be potential action in late January.
Please show your support and solidarity. If you are a Unite member please being this up at your shop/branch meetings.
Is this the homeless charity?
Indeed Jim, it is homeless charity…strapline… ‘gives homeless young people a future’… Obv. not the staff!
FND, but there isn’t an alternative. You aren’t suspended as a union rep but cos your connection with the workplace is disconnected then it is hard to continue to be a union rep.
Yeah good point.
I have no idea how these work.
Am I right in thinking that an employee can be appointed an union rep however if s/he is suspended s/he also is suspended as the union rep? Seems a silly system to me – considering the union is independent to the business.