20
May
2013
Following national research and campaigning by the GMB trade union, 3,213 workers in the construction sector had been identified by private sector firms as being involved in trade union activities.
The Information Commissioners Office seized a database in 2009 held by 44 companies on which the names of ‘black-listed’ potential workers were being held – a database which was allegedly being used to vet recruits for jobs. A number of people on the database live or work in Barking and Dagenham.
Councillor Liam Smith, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “Black-listing of trade union members is abhorrent and must be condemned. The right to belong and be active in a trade union is a fundamental right in a modern democracy. Any private company that makes decisions on who it recruits for jobs based on trade union membership deserves condemnation in the strongest terms.
“Barking and Dagenham Council will not tolerate black-listing, in any shape or form. It will be unacceptable for any company that wishes to do business with the Council or who currently does so to engage in black-listing. We will also monitor who our private sector partners sub-contract with and will crack down wherever we see evidence that this despicable practice is happening.
“At a time when positive industrial relations are so important, companies should encourage trade union membership, not penalise it. I am confident that the majority of our contractors take a more civilised view of workforce matters – but following the decision of my colleagues at Assembly, the Chief Executive has been directed to review the position. He will report back to councillors in due course and action will be taken against any company that is involved in black-listing.”
