HUNDREDS of Unison members gathered at Glasgow’s SECC yesterday to hear from a gardener who claimed he was sacked from the venue for his trade union activities.
Robert O’Donnell had worked at the SECC for 12 years and said he had an “unblemished record” until he joined Unison and became a health and safety representative 18 months ago.
After raising several issues, he was suspended in May and then sacked over an alleged incident involving a manager, to which there were no witnesses.
An appeal was heard last week, but O’Donnell said he was notified by e-mail on Friday that the appeal had failed and his sacking was upheld.
“I tried to get trade union recognition at the SECC because there are no collective bargaining rights and staff are living in a climate of fear,” said O’Donnell.
“I was trying to raise Unison’s profile, but this is clearly a case of trade union victimisation.”
One of the safety concerns he highlighted was when the Hydro arena was being built and there was a possible gas leak.
O’Donnell said: “The evacuation procedure was utterly shambolic. We weren’t given any warning about the leak and the evacuation of staff and contractors was a confused shambles.
“It was down to sheer luck that nobody was hurt that day.
“Subsequently, we formally applied to form a workplace health and safety committee and SECC bosses agreed, but then they went back on their word saying there was no interest from the workers.”
Scott Donohoe, assistant secretary of Unison’s Glasgow city branch, told The National the union was backing O’Donnell’s claim for reinstatement.
“There are several issues at the complex and the number is rising,” he said.
“One thing is certain though – management agreed to the formation of a health and safety committee as per H and S rules, but then they reneged on that and feelings are running high.
“We have a motion coming before conference on Tuesday calling for trade union rights for staff at the SECC and workplace recognition for Unison to conduct collective bargaining on their behalf.
“We’ll also be discussing how we can help Robert with his case for reinstatement.”
Unison said it was bitterly disappointed the SECC upheld the decision to dismiss O’Donnell.
A spokesperson said the recognised independent ACAS code of practice was “not properly followed” and representatives were consulting him about their next move.
“This is a difficult time for Robert and his family and we are supporting him in every way we can,” the spokesperson said.
“We are sorely disappointed that the SECC upheld their decision to dismiss Robert.
“We presented them with a number of grounds why we felt their decision had not followed ACAS independent code of practice.”
The Labour-run Glasgow City Council has a 91 per cent stake in the SECC and has used public money in the past to fund development of the site, including the Hydro venue.
O’Donnell added: “Glasgow City Council could step in and put a stop to these anti-trade union practices.”
Peter Duthie, chief executive officer of the SECC, has said in the past that he is “neither for nor against” trade unions, yet he has declined a formal recognition request from Unison.
Nobody from the SECC was available for comment yesterday.
Meanwhile, Unison is considering taking legal action against the Government if controversial new legislation to introduce thresholds on strike votes is passed.
Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, which yesterday entered the first day of its national conference in Glasgow, criticised the plans tabled by the Conservative Government.
The proposal will potentially be a critical blow to unions across the country as the legislation will outlaw any strike which does not command the votes of 40 per cent of the workforce throughout the public sector.
More than half of those eligible to vote will also have to partake in the polling for a strike to be legal.
Prentis said Unison would “resist” the Tory attacks.
He said: “We are gearing up to resist the attacks on trade unions with every means at our disposal, and if necessary we will take legal action.”
“The attacks are also an attack on civil liberties, so we will join with community groups and others to try to isolate the Tories.”
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