The GMB trade union is embroiled in a significant new internal crisis, with two senior female leaders making serious allegations of bullying and harassment. This turmoil emerges as the union's general secretary, Gary Smith, prepares for a potential battle to retain his position in an election this May.
Employment Tribunal Claim and High Court Injunction
The GMB is now confronting an employment tribunal claim for unfair dismissal from a female member of its senior leadership team. She was dismissed following an investigation that took place months after she herself had submitted a formal complaint about being bullied and harassed. The staff member, who was sacked for alleged racist comments, contends her dismissal was an act of retribution linked to her complaint against General Secretary Gary Smith and other senior male colleagues.
In a dramatic escalation, the union subsequently sought and obtained a High Court injunction to force the return of approximately 700 documents she had retained after her dismissal. In an email to the union's entire Central Executive Committee (CEC), she argued that her sacking resulted from her complaint and urged the committee to act against leaders fostering a "culture of fear and control."
A Second Senior Leader Speaks Out
The controversy deepens with a second female senior leader, who remains employed but is currently off sick. She also emailed the CEC to state she had reported bullying and harassment involving the union's leadership. She claimed the GMB was "rotten at the root" and being damaged by the actions of those at the top, adding she could no longer ignore the unacceptable behaviour of those in power.
In response to these allegations, the GMB stated the first staff member was dismissed solely due to a "breakdown in trust and confidence," including upheld grievances related to racism, and that her bullying complaints were fully investigated and not upheld. Regarding the second staff member, the union confirmed whistleblowing complaints were investigated over three months and were "not substantiated."
Legacy of the 'Institutionally Sexist' Report and Upcoming Election
This fresh infighting occurs against the backdrop of the union's long-standing struggle to reform its culture. An independent report by Karon Monaghan KC in 2020 found the GMB to be "institutionally sexist." A follow-up review by Monaghan in late August last year concluded that, five years on, only about 11 out of 27 recommendations had been fully implemented, indicating significant work remains.
The internal discord also sets the stage for a crucial general secretary election. Gary Smith is expected to put his name forward again in May and is believed to be facing at least one challenger. The GMB is a major donor to the Labour Party and counts senior figures like Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves among its members.
Reaction within the union is mixed. Some female staff told The Guardian they feel the culture is as poor as ever, while others expressed frustration at the portrayal of the GMB, pointing to new anti-harassment policies and the opportunities it provides.
The Unite union, representing the dismissed staff member, robustly challenged the GMB's account, stating their member was dismissed with no proper investigation or hearing, and that the allegations are denied and subject to an ongoing tribunal claim.
