Defend Antony Czubkowski

Submitted by cathy n on 12 January, 2007 - 2:07

Shop steward and long-standing union activist Antony Czubkowski has been sacked by energy firm E.ON, in reaction to his complaint about being subjected to a verbal attack by his boss.

Antony has for the last 18 years been a leading Amicus activist, and in July 2006 convened a meeting for the five unions operating in E.ON. The manager, with a long record of anti-union and bullying behaviour, tried to sneak into the back of the meeting — Antony politely asked him to leave.

Three months later, whilst representing an Amicus member at a meeting, the manager made a totally unprovoked attack, a tirade of abuse in which he screamed at Antony that he did not recognise him as a rep, threatening to dismiss him. When Antony took out a formal grievance over this behaviour — his story backed up by all others present - the manager made a counter complaint, moaning that he had earlier been “excluded” from the union meeting of that July!

On 21 December, Antony was told that he was under investigation on account of his “unacceptable behaviour”, “malicious accusations”, and, even more vague, “conduct inconsistent with the performance of his duties”. Although these charges were meaningless, backed up by no evidence and unexplained, he was immediately suspended, with his phone, keys and ID confiscated as he was escorted from the premises. The manager was exonerated...

Local reps have set up an organising committee in reaction to what is clearly a ploy to undermine union activity. The fact that the bosses will not tell him the details of the case against him, or even let him be represented by the union, show how shoddy their put-together “case” is.

• Please send messages of support to antony.czubkowski@ntlworld.com

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.