MP raises case of sacked HMRC reps in parliament

Kate Osborne, Labour MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, raised the question of trade union victimisation at HMRC’s Benton Park View offices during Treasury questions yesterday (3).

Three PCS reps have been sacked at Benton Park View and more are under investigation by management.

Kate met the sacked reps in Parliament today and said that the way they have been treated is “appalling”.

She said: “I was a trade union rep for 30 years and I know how much of their own time reps give up to help people - this company has a track record of targeting reps and I will ensure they are challenged about it.

“A number of my constituents work at Benton Park and have contacted me about this.

“As one of the larger employers in the North East they should be working with reps not disciplining them just because management disagrees with them fulfilling their elected roles.

“I'm pleased that the Minister agreed to look into what is happening and come back to me.”

Other MPs who met the sacked reps in parliament yesterday were: Luke Akehurst, Tahir Ali, Antonia Bance, Richard Burgon, Josh Fenton Glynn, Mary Glindon, Sharon Hodgson, Kim Johnson, Ian Lavery, John McDonnell, Grahame Morris, Sam Rushworth and Lord Prem Sika. 

What you can do

Watch our video message from the sacked reps and use our e-action to demand that MPs pressure HMRC to reinstate our sacked members.