Jane Brown Wins GMB Tribunal

Former political officer Jane Brown has won her unfair dismissal case against GMB northern Region.

Jane from Consett, County Durham said, "When I left GMB in May 2005, I was in a very poor state. I had been under immense pressure for nearly two years and passed from pillar to post. The grievance I had first tried to raise in July 2003 had never been addressed and I was at rock bottom.

Today, I'm over the moon. I have what I wanted from the beginning which was for someone to listen to my grievance fairly and impartially. I loved my job, but I was forced out through no fault of my own. The Tribunal has found that I did my job - the GMB has been brought to account."

Jane Brown began working for the GMB Trade Union in June 1998.  In 2001, the then Regional Secretary, Mr K Curran appointed her regional Political and External Relations Officer. However, when Mr Curran left to become the Union 's General Secretary, Jane's problems began. His successor, Mr Brennan changed her role and questioned her capability whilst making it difficult for Mrs Brown to raise a grievance which could be fully and fairly investigated. The Employment Tribunal found that the GMB's "unreasonable unwillingness to relax procedures" prevented Jane from airing her grievance. That, said the Judgment was "a fundamental breach of contract" and did amount to constructive unfair dismissal.

Joanne Stronach is a Partner at Burnetts in Carlisle and the Employment Law expert who represented Jane. Joanne said, "Jane has been put under immense pressure. At times during the Tribunal proceedings were suspended to allow her to compose herself. She is really pleased that someone has listened to her and recognised the GMB's failure to progress her grievance. I'm delighted that I have been able to help her win her case."

Jane added, "Joanne at Burnetts has been my saviour – a friend and an absolutely fantastic solicitor. I could never thank her enough. Without her support and the support of my parents I would never have been able to get through all this."

22nd June 2006