Unite shop steward fired after he demanded issues be taken seriously

Arriva bus engineers in Luton will strike in April and May over the company’s despicable response to matters of incredibly serious sexual harassment and assault within the workplace.

The workers are also striking in defence of a Unite shop steward fired on supposedly unrelated matters after he refused to allow the company to ignore the sexual harassment and assault issue. They believe he was suspended and then dismissed in retaliation for holding the company to account.

The individual at the centre of the allegations, who was in a managerial role, is no longer employed after the police were called.

The workers, however, are angry that Arriva previously dismissed the allegations as “banter” and “horseplay” and completely failed to offer adequate support to those impacted.

Multiple workers, including young apprentices, reported being subjected to unwanted touching, squeezing and striking, including kicking and striking in sensitive areas.

They also reported being exposed to simulated sexual acts and gestures as well as offensive and sexually explicit remarks about close family members. In addition, repeated intimidation, mocking and humiliation of staff was also reported.

The workers will strike from 27 April to 1 May, from 11 May to 15 May and 25 May to 29 May. Strike action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved. Strikes will severely impact Arriva’s bus operations in Luton and the surrounding area.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Arriva’s handling of this dreadful situation is despicable – it brings shame on the entire company. The concerns of these workers need to be addressed and our shop steward – fired for speaking out – must be reinstated. These workers have Unite’s complete backing in taking strike action until that happens.”

The suspension of the shop steward occurred shortly after the individual at the centre of the allegations left the company. In disciplinary meeting held last week, the shop steward was dismissed.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “Arriva is entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused to services. Not only has it tried to brush these incredibly serious matters under the carpet, it has fired a workplace rep for trying to prevent it from doing so.  Strikes will continue to worsen until Arriva rights these wrongs.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Sexual harassment endemic in UK workplaces, landmark Unite survey finds

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.