Union chief vows to end bullying

Published on Tuesday 28 October 2003 00:00

THE new official in charge of the GMB union in Scotland has pledged to stamp out bullying and harassment after the second of a series of damaging and costly claims against his predecessor was settled out of court.

Harry Donaldson, who succeeded the disgraced former union chief, Robert Parker, said he would "not tolerate any bulling or harassment" within the organisation.

He spoke after it was announced that the union had paid an estimated 300,000 to Mr Parker’s former personal assistant, Margaret McAvoy, in settlement of her sex harassment claims against the GMB and Mr Parker, who resigned earlier this year.

Mr Donaldson added: "This is an opportunity to make a fresh start, find a new road map for the future and become a credible entity in the trade union movement once again."

Mary Senior, a friend and former colleague of Mrs McAvoy, had earlier won a 50,000 settlement from the union after claiming she was bullied and victimised by Mr Parker after speaking out in support of the former personal assistant.

Ms Senior said: "I am relieved for Margaret. She has been vindicated. It is outrageous it has taken her four years to get justice. I wish her well as she tries to rebuild her life.’’