Fear and loathing in Unite: A regime in panic as members organise
A series of General Secretary ‘roadshow’ events held across the regions and nations have revealed the full extent of the panic and disarray at the top of our union. Described by those subjected to them as “stage managed”, “ultra defensive” and “dictatorial”, Sharon Graham has tried to use these meetings in an ongoing attempt to construct a parallel world where her leadership is not mired in accusations of corruption, financial mismanagement and failure.
The timing is not coincidental. Preparation for the most important Unite Executive Council election in our union’s history have passed their first milestone – the submission of 150 word statements from the candidates.
These roadshows are one part of a now frantic response to address what is emerging as a rank and file rebellion against Sharon Graham. Areas the GS’s team believed to be strongholds are moving into opposition. Even previously supportive workplaces and branches are turning their backs on Graham’s ‘elected dictatorship’ style of control, tired rhetoric and record of industrial failure.
Rather than reflecting on what this actually means, both industrially and politically, the General Secretary and her diminishing team of acolytes are attempting to put the squeeze on staff, officers and organisers to mobilise against convenors, reps and activists who are brave enough to put their names forward and take a stand in defence of their union. This has exposed a bullying leadership in full bunker mentality - devoid of ideas and reliant on threats to get their way.
A regime in panic mode
Behind the false promise of the ‘back to the workplace’ slogan, there is now a cabal of well-paid officials running around attempting to present a veneer of membership support to see off an actual rank and file movement now pushing back.
· Frantic Organising Department meetings have descended into sessions devoted to rescuing an election which is already slipping away.
· Officers, organisers and staff are being pressured to go against the union’s established rules by soliciting nominations and support for management’s campaign during working hours.
· A group of organisers are believed to be operating out of Unite’s London office on a full time basis as part of the EC campaign coordinated by senior management.
· Senior management are attempting to take bureaucratic control of lay committees and have the final say on who can or cannot be invited to attend or speak.
· Misinformation is being spread about reps, groups of lay members, and Reunite, as if daring to stand in opposition to toxicity and division is an act of heresy.
Sharon Graham and her core team have always played on people’s fears, but now that fear has clearly taken hold within themselves. Where once there was an unquestioning belief in the General Secretary and her manifesto, now there are only questions, all of which remain unanswered.
As the roadshows have exposed, Sharon Graham’s script is now threadbare of meaning, leaving only die-hard (and full time, paid) sycophants to peddle lines to an audience who have long since seen through the act. Those subjected to these meetings leave furious at the continued gaslighting, as the General Secretary and her self-styled enforcers attempt to pose every question or concern about our union as factional.
The core circle of supporters has shrunk to a tiny clique, with previous ‘loyalists’ now trying to minimise their own involvement. Taking tactics from New Labour’s playbook, some are now cynically briefing against each other and the leadership, hoping to curry favour with the emerging opposition.
It is increasingly clear that individuals around the leadership are considering their position and their future in our union. Those who are prepared to do the right thing for their union and step away from the toxicity and destruction should be welcomed and supported.
Reunite for the future of our union
Reunite holds the position that a reunited union is essential for making sure our union has a future. Only reunited can we take on the far right, end corruption and win for members again.
The toxicity and division which have become the stock-in-trade of Sharon Graham’s leadership is destroying our union’s ability to deliver for members. It is rapidly destroying her own leadership, but must not be allowed to destroy our union entirely.
It’s time to end the fear. It’s time to look to the future. It’s time to Reunite.
