Former regional officer went to emplyment tribunal

Ucatt leadership candidate Mick Dooley has launched legal proceedings against the union regarding his dismissal earlier this year. The former regional officer was sacked by Ucatt in February following a hearing by union officials who upheld claims that he falsified forms for new members.

An employment tribunal in Croydon heard last week that Dooley was seeking £200,000 on grounds of unfair dismissal and victimisation after he wasn’t invited to the union’s Christmas lunch.

Dooley denies the fraud allegations that led to his dismissal and claims the union vindictively sought his dismissal after he challenged the Ucatt leadership result.

The election was subsequently deemed void by the Certification Office for Trade Unions after an investigation found ballot papers were sent to only half Ucatt’s claimed membership.
Ucatt was represented by Andrew Hogarth QC while Dooley, who is a trained solicitor, represented himself.

Dooley has vowed to run again for the union’s leadership role when the election is re-run later this year. The hearing has been adjourned to July.