Report manufacturers GMB union ‘institutionally sexist’

The GMB Union has been known as “institutionally sexist” after an impartial report into sexual harassment inside the organisation.

The report’s writer, Karon Monaghan, mentioned “bullying, misogyny, cronyism and sexual harassment are endemic”.

And she or he mentioned insurance policies to sort out points usually are not “sufficiently clear or sturdy”.

The organisation’s nationwide president, Barbara Plant, apologised to members who had suffered, saying “actual and lasting change is required”.

The investigation into the union was launched in Could and lead by lawyer Ms Monaghan.

Ingesting tradition

Publishing her findings on Wednesday, the QC mentioned girls have been “underrepresented all through the GMB’s ranks”, with branches “usually organised in a method that deters girls members’ participation”.

She mentioned regional secretaries – “who’re, and at all times have been, males” – held “disproportionate energy” within the union, including: “Many use that energy to bully and manipulate members of the GMB’s lay our bodies.”

Ms Monaghan additionally mentioned there was a tradition of “heavy consuming and late night time socialising, salacious gossip and an absence of professionalism”.

She added: “Elementary change is required if the GMB is to fulfill its promise to girls within the GMB and to girls in society extra extensively.”