GMB call for new independent system to deal with bullying and harassment complaints inside Thanet Council
“We are making this call based on our practical experience of the current system in operation for two GMB members who filed complaints over the past six months”, says GMB Southern
GMB, the union for staff in local government, is calling on the elected members of Thanet Council to recognise that the current system for dealing with bullying and harassment complaints against senior officers of the council is compromised beyond further use.
GMB is further asking the elected members to replace the current system with a new properly independent system so that senior officers are held properly accountable when complaints of bullying and harassment are made against these senior officers.
Any new system has to be fair for the staff making the complaints but also for the senior staff involved as well as protecting the integrity and good running of Thanet Council.
Frank Macklin, GMB Regional Organiser said: "GMB is making this call based on our practical experience of the current system in operation for two GMB members who filed complaints over the past six months.
"GMB is more than happy to meet with senior elected members in closed sessions to share with them this experience.
"I am confident that they like GMB will conclude that the current system of dealing with bullying and harassment complaints against senior officers has been compromised beyond any further use.
"Not recognising this and not replacing it will undermine and threaten the good running and integrity of the council.
"GMB has experience of new independent systems in other councils for dealing with bullying and harassment complaints against senior officers that are much better.
"GMB is calling on the elected members of Thanet council to adopt a new independent system answerable to elected members to ensure the good running and the integrity of the council."
Contact: Frank Macklin on 01843 609317 or 07983 326743 or GMB Southern Press Office 07970 114762
