GMB trade union pays out £800,000 amid bullying and harassment claims
- Over the last two years, GMB trade union has paid out more than £800,000 to 29 former employees in termination costs.
- A significant portion of these payouts, £507,000 in the last year, was related to disputes with former staff amidst allegations of bullying and harassment.
- This situation raises serious concerns about the internal culture within the union and its handling of misconduct claims.
In a troubling development for the GMB trade union in the UK, it has been reported that the organization disbursed more than £800,000 to 29 former employees over the last two years as part of termination fees. This decision followed recent accusations of bullying and sexual harassment within the union. Records indicate that £507,000 was spent last year alone, alongside £339,000 in 2022 on these termination costs, which were categorized as such in their annual accounts. The payments are believed to be associated with resolving disputes involving disgruntled individuals who had previously worked for the union. Sources indicate that the high amounts were not typical, suggesting a pervasive culture of fear among current employees, discouraging them from voicing their concerns publicly. One insider described the payouts as unusual and reflective of a toxic atmosphere prevalent within the organization. The union has mentioned that these payments were made for various reasons related to employees' departures, underscoring the financial and moral complexities involved in managing personnel within such an organization. The implications of these payments are significant, raising questions about the internal dynamics and governance of the GMB. Observers are concerned that the settlements could perpetuate a cycle of silence surrounding serious allegations, further complicating the landscape of accountability within labor organizations. A union spokesman has attempted to downplay the matter by stating that the reasons for the payouts were varied, suggesting not all were linked to misconduct or disputes. This episode highlights an urgent need for unions like GMB to foster a more transparent and supportive environment for their staff, particularly in dealing with allegations of inappropriate behavior. The substantial financial costs incurred indicate potential vulnerabilities and call for a reassessment of workplace culture and leadership practices within the organization.