Unite, the UK’s leading union has backed calls for the Mittings Inquiry into Undercover Policing to take witnesses affected by collusion between Spycops and blacklisters.

In particular an open letter signed by Unite, other unions and blacklisted trade unionists is calling for Dave Smith (a core participant in the inquiry) who is a leading expert on the Consulting Association construction blacklisting scandal, to be called to give evidence.

Police collusion

Operation Reuben the police’s internal investigation into police collusion, found that “police, including special branches and the security services” suppled information to the Consulting Association (which was funded by the major construction companies).

Disgraceful practice

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Blacklisting is a disgraceful practice and hundreds of construction workers had their lives ruined.

“Spycops were colluding with the blacklisters in destroying the lives of ordinary trade unionists.

“Those officers must be brought to account for their actions and the facts about the backlisting collusion involving the police must be brought into the open. To block evidence in this area would be nothing short of shameful.”

Union infiltration 

One of the undercover police officers Mark Jenner, infiltrated construction union UCATT (now a part of Unite), where he spied on picket lines. 

Despite the clear links between undercover policing and backlisting no one has been allowed to give evidence on this area. This is despite Unite, the Fire Brigades Union or the National Union of Mineworkers being core participants in the inquiry.

ENDS
 
Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.