UNISON inflicts double race blow on city council

by Chris Bartter

UNISON has won two important race discrimination victories at the Court of Session. Two members who were passed over for promotions in Glasgow City Council have won cases of racial discrimination.

The cases, which have been ongoing for four years, were decided at a recent Court of Session judgement after UNISON appealed against an appeal ruling overturning original Employment Tribunal findings in their favour.

UNISON has called on Glasgow City Council to appoint an independent race equality expert to head a drive for race equality across the city. Kuldip Dhesi was unsuccessful in appointment to a key post with the council's asylum seekers project.

He was the only black candidate and the job went to a woman who was less qualified and who performed poorly at interview. Clarence Bvunzai also lodged a discrimination case when he failed to get a job as manager in a residential care home for the elderly. He too was passed over for someone less experienced.

Peter Hunter, UNISON's Legal Officer said, "These cases are extremely important ones to win. They mark a radical shift towards employees in claiming discrimination. Lip service to equal opportunities is not enough any more - employers need to prove that they have the procedures in place to prevent discrimination.

"We recognise things have changed in the City Council's leadership since these cases were brought and want a high-level commitment to race equality from the political and administrative leaders of the council."

Kuldip Dhesi - who has since left the council said "I would say the council is guilty of collective failure in dealing with my case - one of the defining aspects of institutional racism."

Clarence Bvunzai said, "I feel the council ought to acknowledge publicly that there are council workers who discriminate against other workers."

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