UNITE members employed by the National Education Union (NEU) have been out on strike in London to support a colleague who they believe was unfairly disciplined.

The 48-hour walkout, which began on Wednesday, saw workers picket the NEU’s London Region office in Wandsworth and hold rallies outside Hamilton House, the union’s head office. 

Protesters held placards saying: “All for one, one for all” and gathered around a giant banner which read: “Hands off our rep” — a reference to Michael Gavan, an NEU regional officer and Unite representative. 

Some 94 per cent of members who voted in a recent ballot backed industrial action after Mr Gavan was disciplined on a confidential matter which members feel should have been dealt with “informally or through mediation,” Unite said.

The NEU said it is confident its “employment processes and protocols have been applied consistently and fairly and in line” with the union’s values.

The disciplinary matter relates to internal processes and procedures regarding how Mr Gavan supported an NEU member who was facing withdrawal of legal support.

Unite said it has sought to resolve the matter through the union’s internal processes and via conciliation service Acas, but without success so far. 

Regional co-ordinating officer Sarah Cook said: “Our members strongly believe their colleague has been unfairly treated.

“This matter should have been dealt with informally.”

Ahead of the strikes, Ms Cook had called for the NEU to reserve its decision to discipline Mr Gavan to avoid the industrial action. 

An NEU union spokesperson told the Morning Star: “The industrial action currently being taken by staff at our London regional office relates to a confidential disciplinary process involving a member of staff.

“The NEU does not intend to breach the confidentiality of the parties to this case and therefore we will not comment on the reasons for the disciplinary action.

“However, we are confident that the employment processes and protocols of the union have been applied consistently and fairly and in line with NEU values.

“NEU has a very constructive and collaborative relationship with its staff unions, GMB and Unite. All employment procedures are agreed with them.

“We are, of course, disappointed that the dispute has arisen.”

Industrial reporter @TrinderMatt