Unite
Press Release 9th April 2008
(NOTE: Certain items in the union’s
press release could be considered defamatory of its own shop stewards (the 2
hunger strikers), www.dearunite.com has
redacted those parts)
PROTESTERS DEMAND ||||||||
||||||||||| |||||||||||| UNITE
Protesters outside Unite HQ in
The union said claims by the men
that legal fees had not been paid was incorrect and the men were now ||||||||||||||
|||||||| from Unite in order to settle the dispute.
The union believes it has acted
honourably in responding to the individual’s requests that legal costs be
covered … and it has.
Unite the union is aware that a
press statement has been issued on behalf of Gordon McNeill and Madan Gupta, in relation to a dispute between the two men
and the union.
The union had no intention of making
public statements about this dispute, but it is compelled to do so because of
the incorrect information provided about the union and named officers of the
union. It is correct that a case has been pursued in the Tribunal in
Whilst the individuals have received
some compensation from ICTS, part of the Tribunal’s decision is subject to an
appeal. The costs of the appeal are being paid by the union. The allegation
that the union has reneged on a promise to pay these costs is wrong and defames
those involved on the union’s behalf. The agreement to pay the appeal costs was
notified to Breslin McCormick solicitors several
weeks ago and will be known to the individuals.
In fact, amicable discussions
regarding the costs issues took place between legal representatives as recently
as the morning of Friday 4th April.
Mr. McNeill and Mr. Gupta (and Mr.
Bowyer) have instructed other solicitors (Mr. Canavan
of Jones and Company) to pursue a claim for other compensation against the
union. The Unite Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley did agree to investigate
this claim and the union’s solicitors have engaged in to date confidential
discussions with Mr. Canavan, including by visiting
Mr. Canavan`s office in Belfast earlier this year.
The union had hoped to reach agreement in relation to this dispute, but the
individuals have ||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||| ||| ||||| |||||||||||
||||||||| to settle the dispute. Mr. Woodley and Unite are unable to
make such ||||||||||||||||| |||||||||| |||||| |||||||||||| |||||||
||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||, and fail to take into account the sums |||||||||||||
|||||||||||||| |||| ICTS. Mr. Woodley and the Regional Secretary for
Ireland Jimmy Kelly have made payments of hardship benefits to the individuals
and by agreeing to pay the legal costs, the union has complied in full with the
assurances given in September 2007.
The union is disappointed that the
press release was issued and contains so many inaccuracies. The union would
prefer to continue to negotiate through solicitors as was agreed by Mr. McNeill
and Mr. Gupta, and the union will not ||||||| |||||| |||||||||||||
||||||||||| |||||||||||||, even when faced with |||||||||||| to
begin a hunger strike. All of the individuals have received compensation and
now have no legal bills to face. There is no need to begin a hunger strike and
in the light of the above information the threat to do so could be viewed as
representing the most unreasonable pressure on the union and individual union
officers. Despite these |||||||||||| and the |||||||||
allegations made Unite will continue to address the issues concerning legal
costs and will continue to fund the appeal. The union has no desire to see Mr.
McNeill and Mr. Gupta on hunger strike and they are encouraged to instruct Mr. Canavan to make urgent contact with the union’s solicitor.
Ends
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