UNISON on the attack after Sefton Council employees sacked

UNISON has threatened further strike action in response to the sacking of two council employees for the role they played in protesting against the transfer of their authority's housing stock.

Lawyers acting for the union described the disciplinary process against Nigel Flanagan and Paul Summers of Sefton Borough Council in Merseyside as "seriously flawedÃâ.

UNISON, which had been protesting for months over the treatment of its activists in Sefton, has now threatened strike action over the pairs summary dismissal.

The council originally suspended six activists for taking part in a protest against the stock transfer, in May.

All six were accused of having threatened and intimidated staff, tenants and councillors and of bringing the council into disrepute.

While four of the six were since allowed back to work, Flanagan and Summers remained suspended until the disciplinary hearing.

"This is a disgraceful act,Ã❠said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis. "Nigel and Paul have been dismissed for taking part in legitimate trade union activities, promoting the policies of the union and defending council housing.

"The council spent £5m of council taxpayers money trying to hoodwink its tenants. In contrast, the Defend Council Housing campaign spent £15,000. And the tenants voted against transfer.

"The council is now seeking revenge,Ã❠he added. "And Nigel and Paul have become scapegoats.Ãâ

UNISON north west regional secretary Frank Hont said: "We are instructing our lawyers to commence employment tribunal complaints at the earliest opportunity.

"Meanwhile we cannot rule out further strike action to oppose this injustice and right this terrible wrong.Ãâ