Northern Ireland: Sacked airport shop stewards win historic victory in Court of Appeal
international |
worker & community struggles and protests |
news report 
Wednesday June 25, 2008 12:56
by Jolly Red Giant - Socialist Party/CWI
The Court of Appeal has issued its judgement on the case of the Belfast airport shop stewards who were sacked in 2002 by airport security firm, ICTS, after they had organised a strike over pay.
The Court of Appeal has issued its judgement on the case of the Belfast airport shop stewards who were sacked in 2002 by airport security firm, ICTS, after they had organised a strike over pay.
The judgement upholds the Fair Employment Tribunal 2007 ruling that ICTS discriminated against the shop stewards on political grounds, sacking them for their trade union and socialist political beliefs. The Court of Appeal judgement reinforces the original decision and means that this case has now set new law which can be used to the benefit of millions of workers throughout Britain.
Employers who sack trade union members may now face claims of political discrimination as well as unfair dismissal claims. Discrimination claims do not have the ceiling on damages that apply to unfair dismissal claims.
The ruling applies to four shop stewards, Gordon McNeill, Madan Gupta and Chris Bowyer of Unite and Malcolm Spencer of GMB.
Comments (4 of 4)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4Great result for the airport workers and all trade unionist activists in Northern Ireland.
This gives us all an extra protection against attacks by the bosses.
Im proud to have supported the airport workers all the way through this dispute.
In this current anti Union/anti worker climate, it is brilliant to see this historic victory. Everyone in the trade union movement should join together to applaud these couragous activists.
Well done all.
Has there been any MSM coverage of this judgement ? It is a brilliant victory for the men and their families who have been put through a lot of grief and it sets a very important marker for trade unionists and working people, who would be victimised for attempting to have basic standards and rights upheld.
Will there be any tangible and immediate relief and redress for the men in the context of the entire situation ? I take it they were awarded costs.
Solidarity Joe Byrne
Footage of the airport shop stewards press conference can be found at www.socialistpartyni.net
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