BOSSES at a prestigious council-owned exhibition and ­conference centre in Glasgow have sacked a long-serving employee after he became active in his union.

Robert O’Donnell had worked as a gardener at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) in Glasgow for 12 years.

Union colleagues have begun a campaign to reinstate him.

Two years ago, he became workplace health and safety representative with public service union Unison.

But Mr O’Donnell soon noticed “a distinct change of attitude towards me and my work as a result of carrying out my duties.”

This change culminated in him being sacked on Monday over an alleged incident involving a supervisor — which no-one witnessed.

Mr O’Donnell and Unison believe the sacking is a direct result of his union activities.

Scott Donohoe, the union’s Glasgow branch officer, said: “Unison is totally convinced that this was a trumped-up charge and that the dismissal relates to Robert’s role as a trades union activist.”

SECC is 91 per cent owned by Glasgow City Council. Its managers have a history of antagonism towards trade unions.

Mr O’Donnell said: “I can only reach the conclusion that this is part of a concerted effort on behalf of SECC management to make an example of me to my colleagues in an attempt to dissuade workers from organising themselves and joining Unison.”

Unison has launched a petition and urges supporters to email council leader Gordon Matheson at gordon.matheson@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk