by Zoe Streatfield

A SACKED gardener will lead calls today at Unison conference for union recognition at his former workplace.

Robert O’Donnell, who lost his appeal last week against his dismissal at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), believes he was let go for raising health and safety concerns.

SECC dismissed Mr O’Donnell for gross misconduct based on an alleged unwitnessed incident with his manager on May 25.

Mr O’Donnell is addressing Unison conference, which takes place this week, and Glasgow City branch to move a motion calling for union recognition at the SECC.

There will also be a call for trade unions at a national level to boycott the SECC as long as it continues “anti-union practices.”

Hundreds of Unison conference delegates walked out in support of Mr O’Donnell on Sunday.

“I very much appreciate that delegates have taken time out to hear my side of the story and stand in solidarity with me,” Mr O’Donnell told the Star.

“It is vital that we keep up the pressure on SECC management for their anti-union practices.”

He called for pressure to be put on Glasgow City Council, which has a 91 per cent share in the SECC, to reinstate him and allow Unison to be recognised so that workers at the SECC have access to a trade union.

Unison’s youth committee moved an emergency motion in support of Mr O’Donnell at the STUC youth conference, with other unions pledging their support.

• A solidarity protest will take place on Thursday outside Glasgow City Chambers in George Square at 5.45pm for Mr O’Donnell and the homelessness support workers who have been on strike since March.