Unions’ campaign to stamp out an alleged culture of bullying and racism at the town hall has won the backing of Labour members in one Hackney ward.
The Hackney Central ward meeting on Thursday saw a motion voted through regarding the allegations revealed by the Gazette in November.
Unite, Unison and GMB laid out accusations of abuse at Hackney Service Centre in an 18-page letter sent to councillors in October demanding an investigation. That independent probe has now been agreed to by the council, and on Thursday members said it must address the “underlying alleged structural racism and institutional bullying culture.”
They also agreed with unions that the sacking of Unite rep Natasha Johnson – which is a the centre of the row – appeared to have “not followed correct procedure” and want her case reopened. The motion is now being sent to Hackney South and Shoreditch Constituency Labour Party. If it passes the motion it will agree to support unions and back their calls to have Natasha reinstated.
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