M&E union Amicus is considering legal action against contractors following allegations on the internet that hundreds of electricians have been blacklisted. Claims that the firms strongly deny.

Trade union Amicus is considering taking legal action against several m&e contractors following allegations that they have participated in the blacklisting of electricians.

The allegations were posted on an internet blog by a former regional resources manager at an m&e contracting firm. In the blog Alan Wainwright claims that firms have produced and circulated a blacklist of operatives that previously worked on projects hit by industrial disputes.

The firms accused cannot be named for legal reasons, but have strongly denied the claims. A spokesperson for one of the firms said: “We do not participate in any form of blacklisting. There is a tribunal pending and therefore we are unable to make any further comment.”

Wainwright states in the blog: “I have reasonable grounds to believe that certain UK construction companies and their m&e subsidiaries operate a blacklisting procedure to ensure certain electrical operatives do not gain employment.

“This is based on procedures I have undertaken in previous roles and information that has come to my direct attention. This information was passed on with a view to preventing some of the electricians from gaining employment on future projects.”

The alleged blacklists posted on the blog claim to name workers that were employed on the Royal Opera House, Pfizer and Jubilee Line Extension projects. All three projects were hit by disputes in the 1990s.

Amicus construction lead officer Tom Hardacre said: “We will have to consider the allegations and if there is any substance to the reports of the use of blacklists, we will act accordingly to protect the rights of any of our members affected. This could include court proceedings for damages and loss of earnings.”

David Pollock, director of the ECA added: “The ECA is not aware of ‘blacklisting’ being practised within the industry and we would certainly not condone it. We advise members to use professional recruitment processes, including the taking up of references from previous employers.”

Wainwright is taking one of his former employers to tribunal for constructive dismissal and claims that the blacklisting allegations will surface at the hearing.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor