Published: Tuesday, 7th October, 2008 12:30
Probe is 'hypocrisy'
By Mike Farrell
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Appeals to call off investigation into 'Vale of Leven four'
THE investigation into teachers who refused to break a strike has been labelled “hypocrisy” by their union.
Accusations of intimidation and harassment have also been raised against West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC), which is considering disciplining the four school staff.
The teachers from the Vale of Leven Academy refused to cross a picket line at the school during the council workers strike two weeks ago.
On the same day 22 councillors refused to cross a picket at WDC’s Garshake head quarters.
Stewart Paterson, of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), has written to the head of Education at WDC, asking to revise the decision.
He told the Reporter: “The council is taking a harder line on this than was previously thought.
“I am disappointed.
“You don’t see other workers who refused to cross the picket lines — whether it’s drivers or councillors — getting investigated, why are the teachers being singled out here?”
Jim Bollan, SSP councillor for Leven, and George Black, Independent councillor for Dumbarton, have issued a joint statement criticising the council.
They said: “We are concerned that there is an apparent attempt to intimidate, bully or harass four members of the EIS who refused to cross picket lines.
“This harassment is caused by investigating the circumstances of their refusal which could lead to disciplinary action being taken against them.
“This prompts the question, will a similar investigation be held to examine the case of the twenty-two elected members who also refused to cross picket lines?
“As elected members we insist that the same rules apply to everyone and employees should not be treated differently from elected members as this smells of rank hypocrisy.
“This enquiry should be abandoned.”
In response to the claims, a WDC spokeswoman said: “The council regards any type of offensive behaviour such as harassment, discrimination, victimisation or bullying, by any member or employee, as serious misconduct.
“The council can confirm that it is not a contractual duty for members to attend a council meeting.
“Councillors are not employees and are not bound by a contract of employment and employment law.
“It is however, a contractual duty for teachers to attend their work.
“Teaching staff were advised by their unions in advance that they would be expected to attend work and that failure to do so could lead to disciplinary action as they would be in breach of contract.
“By not crossing the picket lines in defiance of their union’s advice, teachers therefore compromised pupil safety.
“An investigation into the four teachers who decided not to cross the picket line will commence next week — any council employee in breach of contract would be subject to an investigation, and possible disciplinary action, in line with council policy.”
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