03.09.13
‘No breach’ of blacklisting regulations – Unite
Crossrail has not contravened blacklisting regulations, Unite has conceded.
The union released a joint statement with Crossrail consortium Bam Ferrovial Kier (BFK) committing to working together, following a year-long dispute.
Sacked worker Franks Morris, former Unite representative, has been reinstated and will return to work on September 9. Unite had asserted that BFK terminated Morris’ contract due to whistle blowing and raising health and safety concerns.
A joint statement issued today said: “BFK acknowledge that the conclusion of the EIS contract could have been handled better and BFK and Unite have agreed to work together to continue the provision of transparent working practices including safeguarding the right of workers to choose whether or not to join a trade union.
“BFK and Unite agree that there has been no contravention of the Blacklisting Regulations on the BFK Crossrail projects.
“BFK and Unite are committed to improving ways of working together. BFK and Unite will build upon their working relationship for the good of all involved and both parties look forward to working with each other in the future.”
Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail chief executive said: “Blacklisting is indefensible, unacceptable and unlawful. Over the last year, the Unite union has made a series of misleading and unsubstantiated allegations concerning blacklisting on the Crossrail project.
“By their own admission, Unite advised the Scottish Affairs Committee that their evidence was circumstantial and was not sufficient to prove blacklisting. Unite has now issued a joint statement with our western tunnels contractor BFK stating that no blacklisting has taken place.”
But a Unite spokesman said: “Whilst we cannot comment on the resolved dispute surrounding Frank Morris, it is important to correct Crossrail's press release which wrongly states that Unite has said there has been no blacklisting at Crossrail.
“What Unite clearly said is there have been no breaches of the current regulations. We believe this indicates the weakness of the current legislation.”
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