UNISON disciplinary action - they all lived happily ever after?

A little less than one year ago I informed readers of this blog that I had been placed under investigation, in accordance with UNISON’s disciplinary rules (Rule I).

Assiduous readers of this blog (Sid and Doris Blogger) will have noted various further information about this matter over the intervening months.

I am now pleased to be able to inform you this lunchtime that I have received a letter from the Chair of the Development and Organisation Committee informing me that no further action is to be taken.

I am obviously happy not to have to devote further energy to this matter – and also to have it confirmed that UNISON is to develop new social media and whistleblowing policies (as, in the latter case, recommended by the Assistant Certification Officer).

It is, of course, always as well to keep in mind s65(2)(c) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 when it may touch upon one’s decisions.

I hope that this is a positive indication for the future of UNISON, from the National Executive Council of which I shall depart three weeks from now. The challenge facing the Union is for the new NEC to find ways to work together constructively. Politically contentious disciplinary action has not helped UNISON in the past and would not have done so in the present.

I am particularly grateful to illustrious retired UNISON member, David Eggmore, who subjected himself to accompanying me to the disciplinary investigation which has now come to a satisfactory conclusion.

I am sure that those of us noted for our interest in the UNISON Rule Book will be only too happy not to be called upon in future to deal with any further politically motivated disciplinary matters.