It is with deepest anger I
have to report that our Barnet UNISON branch secretary, John Burgess,
had his car vandalised as it was parked up outside his own home. After the
day’s activities on 8thJuly, which involved a strike and protests,
John returned home to find a large note stuck on his car windshield: “Fucking
Union Faggotts Get Back Home From Here!” and a nail stuck into
a front wheel of his car. This came within 2 weeks of the Barnet
UNISON banner, and a branch presence which of course included John, proudly
appearing on the Pride Demo. It is our view this particular use of offensive
language is far too coincidental for us not to understand this as an attack on
John as a trade unionist and also for being seen on the Pride demo.
We also think there is a
strong coincidence that our branch was a very early signatory to the Unite
Against Fascism statement about the proposed Fascist gathering in Golders Green
and encouraged our members to attend the protest last weekend (4th July).
We are proud that we were part of a larger community mobilisation which meant
Fascists could not raise their heads in our community. Fascists are
organisations which peddle hatred and what happened to John is in every sense a
Hate crime which has been reported to the police.
John has a job to do and
that is to represent the members of his union branch. We choose him year after
year as we believe he is the best placed person to do this. He enjoys the
confidence of the branch membership. This means whoever did this is trying to
intimidate and silence all of our membership. We will not be silenced!
We believe it is the
demonisation of trade unions by the current Government which also encourages
this type of personal attack on individual trade unionists. We condemn such
attacks and call on our supporters to rally round and show solidarity and
support to one who has done nothing other than defend us and offer solidarity
to all those fighting the effects of Austerity and oppression.” Helen
Davies, Branch Chair Barnet UNISON.
George Binette, branch
secretary, Camden UNISON had this to say: “On behalf of Camden UNISON I express our
shock and horror at the vicious homophobic vandalism carried out against John
Burgess, Barnet UNISON branch secretary. This attack is a perverse tribute to
the effectiveness of John’s tireless commitment to both his members and the
defence of public services. Unfortunately, all too many politicians and
sections of the media seem set to whip up a Jeremy Clarkson-style climate where
it is literally open season on active trade unionists. Solidarity with John and
the Barnet branch.”
Contact details: Helen
Davies Barnet UNISON on 07432733168 or 0208 359 2088 or email: Helen.Davies@barnetunison.org.uk
Please send John a message of support
and solidarity
In Solidarity,
Patrick
Patrick Hunter
Secretary,
Barnet Trades Union
Council
Tel: 020 8359 4474 / 07943520836 / 07956640873
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