Council bullies must be exposed

Jan 25 2007 By Clyde Reporter, Lennox Herald

COUNCIL bullies who prey on work colleagues should be exposed, a councillor says.

Independent councillor George Black has called for an immediate investigation into claims of bullying at West Dunbartonshire Council.

He spoke up after looking into a case where a council employee mainatins he was bullied out of his job.

And Councillor Black insists ex-council chief executive Tim Huntingford knew about the employee’s bullying allegations — but did not bother investigating them.

He told The Clyde: “What I’m concerned about is that I’m not aware of any inquiry taking place into these allegations.

“I’m further concerned as Tim Huntingford sat at the Audit Scotland hearing and said he had no information at all regarding bullying or harassment. The man is deluded.”

Without naming the accused employee, Councillor Black tabled a motion at a recent special council meeting calling for an external independent inquiry into all council bullying claims.

He told the meeting: “If we, as councillors, are serious about this and are saying there’s zero tolerance of bullying and harassment then why is this person named still in employment, why is this person not suspended, pending an investigation?

“As long as it’s swept under the carpet, we all ignore it. If we ignore something like that, what we are doing is paying lip service and I’m not prepared to tolerate lip service.

“My attitude to bullying is zero tolerance. This council, over the past number of years, has been plagued with allegations of this sort. We have a splendid opportunity to embark on a new course of action.”

Councillor Jim Flynn, ex-deputy council leader, said: “If someone has been named then there should be a full investigation. If someone is found guilty of bullying they should be sacked.”

Councillor Flynn also asked if Councillor Black would give him the name of the individual so he could look into the matter.

Council leader Martin Rooney said: “I agree with George that this is probably the most serious allegation in the audit report.

“It’s something we take very seriously and we all want to embrace the improvement agenda and that means identifying our failings and taking action.”

Councillor Black’s call for an external independent inquiry throughout the council was outvoted by the controlling Labour councillors. Instead, they opted to review the council’s dignity at work policy and will seek expert advice into mediation and awareness raising of the issue.

Trade unions have already told the recent public hearing into the running of the council that bullying is commonplace throughout West Dunbartonshire Council.

Conveners from the T&G, GMB and Unison made the claim and said many cases of bullying were not officially reported for fear of reprisals or intimidation.

* there should be a h/s pic of Councillor Black in masterpix *