reinstated!

Submitted by Anon on 10 December, 2005 - 12:48

The Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) representative at Peckham bus garage, Andy Beadle, was reinstated last week after an appeal against his victimisation.

Andy was dismissed for allegedly “bringing the company in to disrepute”. In reality he was sacked for representing his members. Andy’s crime was to distribute a leaflet calling for a “no” vote in the second round of their pay ballot. In the first round of the ballot Peckham garage had voted overwhelmingly 126-5 against the deal. Their huge majority had decisively tipped the balance of those garages balloted, against the deal. This despite the TGWU negotiators recommending acceptance.

For the second ballot, in line with his members’ wishes, Andy produced and distributed a leaflet calling for a “no” vote. London Central buses interpreted this as bring the company into disrepute.

Andy received widespread support from the labour movement. Although he has been reinstated, he has only had his dismissal reduced to a final warning and management are trying to force him to move garages. Andy has spent years working for his members at Peckham. The management clearly want to break this relationship and force Andy to keep his head down and prevent him from being an effective trade unionist.

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