Independent inquiry to examine claims of sexual misconduct

The TUC and the TSSA transport union are discussing the establishment of an independent inquiry into claims of sexual misconduct on the part of senior staff in the union. 


This comes after a former staff member at the TSSA went public with allegations of sexual harassment and bullying, which are refuted by the union.


TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady and TUC president Sue Ferns are discussing the matter with senior union representatives, but this will not include general secretary Manuel Cortes. While supporting the decision to have an independent inquiry, he has voluntarily stepped back from discussions and decision-making around these issues.


The union had enforced a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) made with former organiser Claire Laycock to prevent her from breaching a confidentiality clause over the matter. 


But while the judge served her with a temporary injunction, he did not stop her allegations being published by other organisations. 


The use of NDAs in sexual harassment cases is highly controversial as they are seen as a powerful mechanism to prevent organisational bad culture from being exposed and remedied. The TSSA has subsequently said it will reconsider the use of settlement agreements with staff from now on.


O’Grady said that where the investigation is concerned, “the TUC will be clear that there must be a wide enough remit to hear from both current and former staff and fully investigate the issues raised”.