UNITE have today announced the appointment of two legal big hitters to lead the independent investigation into possible collusion by union officials in blacklisting their own members. Nick Randall QC from Matrix Chambers and John Carl Townsend from 33 Chancery Lane officially start on 11th April. John Carl Townsend, was the lead barrister at Guney Clark and Ryan solicitors, representing blacklisted workers during the High Court trial that resulted in a public apology from the UK's 8 largest construction companies.
UNITE General Secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Under my leadership, Unite is committed to uncovering the truth about allegations of union collusion with blacklisting. The workers affected and their families deserve to know the truth and I hope that this QC-led independent inquiry will get to the bottom of what really happened.”
Randall and Townsend are assisted by Thompsons solicitors, who have already collated documentary evidence and taken witness statements from many blacklisted workers and others. UNITE have also appointed the Public Interest Law Centre to oversee the searches of UNITE's internal documentary and electronic database. All the lawyers involved in the independent investigation have a long history of exposing institutional wrongdoing in the High Court.
Blacklist Support Group statement on their facebook page:
"Blacklisted workers have long demanded action that any investigation into union collusion in blacklisting must be completely independent from Unite and their own legal team.
The Blacklist Support Group applauds the appointment of such heavyweight and independently minded lawyers. It is a clear indication that this investigation will not turn a blind eye to any evidence that exposes an unhealthy culture within Unite or its predecessor unions.
The collusion investigation is neither mudslinging, nor a whitewash - this is a robust independent process to uncover the truth. The Blacklist Support Group repeats our call for anyone with evidence of union collusion in blacklisting to make contact with the investigation team."
Blacklist Support Group
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