Newsquest union official suspended

Gordon Thomson, Deputy FoC at the Glasgow Evening Times, was suspended on Friday (27/07) following a lunchtime meeting with fellow union officials, including Scottish organiser Paul Holleran. Upon his return, associate editor Graeme Smith asked him to attend a meeting with him and editor Donald Martin. Gordon requested he be accompanied as is his right in front of two managers and this was refused. After he walked out of the editors office and phoned a full time union official he was informed, in front of the entire floor, that he would be suspended. After waiting until he had received it in writing, FoC John McCann walked him off the floor, at which point John was told that if he left the floor he would be suspened as well for unauthorised absence. The NUJ informed them that if the suspension was not lifted on Friday they would ask lawyers to look into mounting legal action. Over the weekend an SNP trade union group declared a boycott of the paper until he was reinstated. Convener Anne McNair said that they would keep an eye on the what happens. On Tuesday (31/07) Gordon was reinstated and Martin said he is �happy to put this issue behind us�. He claims that he was trying to have an informal meeting, which he is �prepared to accept� was �erroneously perceived as a formal disciplinary hearing�. Below are some quotes from a discussion on www.allmediascotland.com

"Gordon Thomson is entitled to be accompanied under the 2004 Employment legislation. This is another pathetic, blatant - and counter-productive attempt by Martin to build a reputation for being tough. He's bang to rights on this one. The staff who witnessed his disgraceful public display of spite are now welded to the union and the strike on Friday."
The Outlaw2 30/07/2007

"From down south, where I'm watching, it looks to me like Newsquest are rattled. Such disgraceful behaviour from an Evening Times editor will infuriate not only journalists but also thousands of readers who have turned to Times journalists in the past for help in dealing with exactly the same kind of workplace bullying. Truly shameful...Donald Martin: a disgrace to the industry. Keep the pressure up and good luck!"
Jim McLean 30/07/2007

"shocking bullying from the editor D martin. He should be sacked immediately. I and most of my workmates at a large glasgow bank will not be buying the paper till he is gone ! or the union rep reinstated with a full apology."
gil 30/07/2007

"Save Tommo! Down with Donald "Ricky" Martin!"
Its_war 30/07/2007

"I can put it in two words "Tommo won""
Striker 31/07/2007

"the first battle has been won, seems like all we have to do is keep the pressure up and management will hang themselves. "moan the nuj!""
murph 31/07/2007