Anger manifests in protest after abuse of Irish union figures
Unite members in Ireland have staged a protest to express their anger at the union’s behaviour during a visit to Dublin by Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
Unite’s record in Ireland under Graham has been a dire one, with the hounding of Irish union legend Brendan Ogle leading to threats from entire sector branches to disaffiliate entirely. Graham cancelled a planned appearance in Ireland at the height of the outrage, but finally appeared there last week for a meeting with reps. A spokesperson for the protesters told Skwawkbox:
We’ll be asking, inside and outside the meeting
- why it’s taken almost 2 years to visit
- Why is it at 10am on a work day
- Where is the apology from the Policy Conference
- Why is Unite in Dublin becoming a political party
- What is the policy on employees returning to work after illness
- What is their policy on people doing 2 peoples jobs
and more.
The group held placards and a banner that read, “Unite investigates? investigate Unite”:
Graham’s record in the UK has also caused anger, with accusations that she tried to have evidence of her husband’s bullying and misogyny destroyed. He now holds a senior position in her team despite being on a final warning from the union for his behaviour before she began her tenure.
Ms Graham’s supporters were also allowed to stand in last month’s elections to the union’s executive, despite racist comments from some and questions about the eligibility of several. Despite the use of ‘dark money’ advertising, her slate of candidates performed badly, with several of her closest allies losing their seats and the ‘Members First’ left group holding a majority.
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