Statement on recent media by Jo Schofield, National President, United Workers Union:
The Australian has published a series of allegations concerning United Workers Union today.
At United Workers Union, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our shared principles of integrity, respect, and accountability. We are also committed to providing safe, supportive workplaces and to addressing issues when they arise in a fair and considered manner.
Complaints of inappropriate behaviour at UWU are comprehensively investigated, and disciplinary consequences are imposed where claims are substantiated. This includes all officials, regardless of seniority.
Steps being taken
The allegations in the article are based on a legal document which we believe to be invalid and will be dismissed by the Court. The director who is the subject of the allegations has rejected them as baseless.
However, we recognise the seriousness of the allegations, and as a result, the union’s national executive has appointed an independent external investigator to review the specific claims raised in the document.
In terms of a separate class action, the law firm Adero have been threatening various unspecified causes of action, purportedly on behalf of a constantly changing number of alleged former and current employees of the UWU. The union is unaware of any class action from Adero and will respond accordingly if any such action is taken.
Over recent months, the union has faced a series of media reports containing unfounded allegations about workplace issues. These claims have been thoroughly investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.