A devastating analysis released yesterday showed that the labor organization at the center of the debilitating train strikes has a culture that is “sexist,” “misogynistic,” and “mafia-like.”
‘Appalling instances’ included unwanted touching, sexual assault, coercive behavior, abusive language, and ‘humiliation and denigration of workers’ were revealed by the shocking findings of Helena Kennedy KC.
The investigation said that managers at the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), whose strikes the party has supported and who have given £350,000 to Labour over the previous five years, permitted the “toxic” atmosphere via “wilful blindness, power hoarding, and bad procedures.”
It happens after Manuel Cortes, the previous leader of the organization, resigned in October after claims of forcing kisses on at least two women. The investigation discovered he “had a history of drinking too much and being over-familiar with female personnel” and that women entering the union were advised “never to be alone” with him.
It would be erroneous to believe that his departure would end sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying, said Baroness Kennedy.
Following the publication of a video in which former TSSA organizer Claire Laycock made accusations against Mr. Cortes and two other people, the investigation was started last summer.
The leadership has encouraged sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying, the 31-page assessment said.
‘These episodes comprised forceful and manipulative behavior, harsh and abusive language, and humiliation and denigration of staff employees, representatives, and members of the Executive Committee,’ said Baroness Kennedy (EC).
Some of this behavior I have really seen firsthand. The phrase “toxic, dysfunctional, sexist, misogynistic, racist, homophobic, and mafia-like” was used to characterize the society.
The allegation continued, “I heard leadership members refer to personnel with complaints as “whingers,” “rats,” and “vultures.”
Six suggestions, including the removal of the president and treasurer, were made in the study for reforming the union’s administration and grievance processes.
The TSSA said that it has embraced every suggestion.
The union, which represents train employees, has participated in various waves of strikes that have paralyzed the railroads since last summer together with the RMT and Aslef unions.
»Report: Labour’s train union is “sexist, misogynistic, mafia-like”«