Unite members to strike following unfair disciplining of activist by the NEU

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.