QUESTION. Who said 'I am sick of your filthy insubordination. You are my subordinate...and you will do what I say.'?
Was it: (a) John Major about the 'bastards"; (b) the editor of Socialist Outlook to his staff or (c) a manager of the Minority rights Group (MRG)?
Three points for C (one point for A; two points for B). The worker who faced this abuse, Deborah Knight, has now been 'sacked' after unionising a majority of staff.
MRG is a high-profile agency with an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory agenda in field.
It receives funding from the EU, London Boroughs Grants Scheme, Oxfam and Scandinavian governments.
However MRG has no more than a draft Equal Opportunities policy, and has existed for 25 years without proper procedures for grievances, disciplinaries or appeals and without union representation.
Grievance
After the abuse, Deborah's union (TGWU/ACTS) brought a grievance. Management's response was to try to have Deborah suspended. They failed but brought a disciplinary for behaviour bordering on gross misconduct. This was challenged by ACTS. Management ACTS members than pressed for union recognition - two days later Deborah was told to clear her desk with no notice or reason.
Deborah says, 'MRG works for the rights of minorities, yet I was bullied and intimidated and victimised by sacking just two days after the union applied for recognition'.
Support for Deborah's campaign for reinstatement has been won from the Socialist Campaign Group of MPs, Region 1 T&G, Southern District RMT and Lambeth UNISON 'A'. • Donations/messages of support etc should be sent to South London ACTS, c/o 12-14 Thornton St, London SW9 OBL (071 733 5135).
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No.60, April 16 1994, Page 6