Workers furious Unite shop steward suspended after he demanded issues be taken seriously

Arriva bus engineers in Luton have voted for strike action over the company’s despicable response to matters of incredibly serious sexual harassment and assault within the workplace.

The workers also voted to strike in defence of a union shop steward suspended on supposedly unrelated matters after he refused to allow the company to ignore the issue. They believe he was suspended 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.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The way Arriva has handled this dreadful situation is beyond despicable. Arriva needs to address these workers’ concerns and reinstate our shop steward immediately. Unite is backing our members all the way. We will use every tool at our disposal and will not rest until Arriva rights these wrongs.”  

The suspension of the shop steward occurred shortly after the individual at the centre of the allegations left the company.

Strike dates will be scheduled in the near future, with industrial action escalating until the dispute is resolved satisfactorily.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “Arriva has totally failed these workers from start to finish. Unite will not tolerate employers trying to brush such incredibly serious issues under the carpet or attacks on our reps. This dispute will continue to escalate until Arriva can regain its workers’ trust and brings our shop steward back to work.”

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.