Unite, the country’s biggest union for construction workers, renewed its demand for a public inquiry into blacklisting today (Wednesday 8 February) and backed calls by the Labour MP, Chuka Umunna, to strengthen the law to prevent blacklisting from happening.
The move coincides with today’s Westminster Hall debate on blacklisting which is being led by the MP for Streatham, Chuka Umunna. It comes amid fears that the practice of blacklisting is continuing and destroying the lives of construction workers to this day.
Commenting acting Unite general secretary, Gail Cartmail, said: “Unite fully backs Chuka Umunna’s renewed calls for a public inquiry and government action to prevent the insidious practice of blacklisting ruining ever more lives.
“Too many people’s futures have been destroyed by these secretive practices and shady employers who continue to exploit loopholes while benefiting from public contracts.
“The victims of blacklisting deserve nothing less than a full public inquiry and government action to strengthen the law and rid the construction industry of the stain of blacklisting forever.
“The blacklisters should be under no illusion. Unite will continue to fight industrially, legally and politically to bring pressure to bear and secure justice for those who have been blacklisted.”
Unite assistant general secretary, Howard Beckett, added: “The pernicious actions of crooked bosses continues to impact on people’s lives. Unite is currently pursuing legal action for over 60 further victims of blacklisting and remains ever vigilant of contemporary blacklisting.
“Unite is determined to secure justice for those who have been blacklisted and challenge abuses such as bogus self-employment and the abuse of agency labour.”
