Out of Sight is Out of Mind

When it comes to campaigns and declaring their socialist credentials, a number of Newham councillors are prominent extolling their trade union involvement and demanding the rights of workers everywhere. Everywhere that is, except Newham.

In her campaign to become the Labour candidate for mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz made much of her support for the workers and their unions. How times have changed.

The lingering dispute between Newham’s refuse workers and Newham Council continues. 

It is out of the headlines and largely forgotten. At the end of last year workers based at Folkstone Road were on strike. Ostensibly, this was for better pay, but behind the dispute was a catalogue of allegations of bullying and sexual harassment. 

Newham resident and member of the Unite union, Dennis Carabott is currently taking Newham to court in a claim for unfair dismissal. The hearing has been scheduled for late September.

There seems to be very little interest in pursuing the allegations of abuse by Newham councillors. But of course, one of the opposition councillors might ask the mayor to make a statement denying allegations of sexual harassment on the site or bullying of the labour force.

We will be reporting upon the allegations as they come before the tribunal.