CO-STEEL SHEERNESS (No. 2)
- Session: 1996-97
- Date tabled: 29.01.1997
- Primary sponsor:
- Sponsors:
That this House notes that on 23rd December 1996, after 25 years of service, Mr Joe Davey, received a letter confirming his immediate dismissal from Co-Steel, Sheerness, allegedly for ill health; notes that Mr Davey had been off work for only five weeks and was due to see an independent medical consultant within a few days as managers were aware; notes that Mr Davey is the branch secretary and most senior official of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation at Co-Steel; notes his legal challenge supported by eminent legal opinion that the dismissal was due to unlawful discrimination against his legitimate trade union activities; notes that in 1992 Co-Steel derecognised trade unions, and in June 1996 the United Nation's International Labour Organisation formally recommended that an immediate inquiry should be launched into anti trade union activities by Co-Steel in breach of international law; notes that Co-Steel have an international reputation for using threats and intimidation against employees; notes the misleading amendment to a previous motion on Co-Steel included a claim that employees had not attended a local rally in their support but failed to mention that there was a clear implication through the company's conduct that they would have been sacked if they had exercised this basic human right; and calls upon honourable Members to examine very carefully any motions presented in defence of Co-Steel's current managers and objectively consider whether they wish to be publicly associated with the activities of Co-Steel Sheerness Personnel Director, Mr Hugh Billot.