The suspension by Labour-led Kirklees Council of UNISON Branch Secretary Paul Holmes in December 2019
That Kirklees Council has had almost two years to carry out an investigation
That Paul has been a Nalgo and then UNISON steward for 46 years, and Branch Secretary for 32 years, and is currently the President of UNISON
That Kirklees UNISON is one of the largest branches in the country and had 3 live strike ballots and one pending when Paul was suspended
On hearing that Paul Holmes had been suspended the Council’s Deputy Leader said at the time, “There is a Father Christmas”.
Barnet UNISON believes:
That an injury to one is an injury to all – employers must not be allowed to get away with attacking our union organisation and our union activists, reps, branch and national officers.
The Deputy Leader’s statement shows that UNISON and Paul have been a thorn in their side, and critical to resisting cuts and closures of public services – delaying any investigation for so long indicates the aim was more to undermine union organisation in the Council.
Barnet UNISON resolves:
To campaign for Kirklees Council to end the suspension of Paul.
To write to both the Chief Executive and the Council Leader calling on them to lift Paul’s suspension.
To affiliate to the Defend Paul Holmes Campaign and publicise and mobilise for campaign events and activities.
Barnet UNISON Branch Executive unanimously passed this motion on 8 September 2021.
