Members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, employed by the National Education Union (NEU) in its London Region, are to take 48 hours of strike action in support of a colleague who they believe was unfairly disciplined.

Huge support 

The workers recorded a 94 per cent vote in favour of strike action in support of their colleague Michael Gavan who is a regional officer at the NEU and a Unite rep. Mr Gavan has been disciplined on a matter that members believe should have been dealt with informally or through mediation.

Strike action will take place on Wednesday 20 April and Thursday 21 April.

Disciplinary matter

The disciplinary matter relates to internal processes and procedures regarding how Mr Gavan supported an NEU member who was facing withdrawal of legal support.

Unite has sought to resolve the matter through the union’s internal processes and through the conciliation process Acas, without success.

Unfair treatment

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Sarah Cook said: Our members strongly believe their colleague has been unfairly treated. This matter should have been dealt with informally.

“Strike action could still be averted if the NEU reverses its decision to discipline our member.”

Picket line 

A picket line will be in place at the NEU London Region office from 07:00 on both days, followed by a demonstration at the NEU head office at 12:00.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The address for the NEU London Region is Christine Blower Centre, 90 Point Pleasant, Riverside Quarter, Wandsworth London SW18 1PP

The address for the NEU Head officer is Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

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.