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GMB launches legal proceedings against Addison Lee over unfair dismissal claims



GMB, Britain’s general union, has instructed law firm Leigh Day to take the first step in launching legal proceedings on behalf of three Addison Lee workers whose contracts were terminated following a GMB protest in Berkeley Square in May.

The union's lawyers have lodged a number of claims with arbitration body ACAS including unfair dismissal, detriment on grounds related to trade union activity and failure to pay the national minimum wage.

The dismissals took place within hours of a static protest in May that saw private hire drivers block off Russell Square in London.

GMB members, along with members of the United Addison Lee Drivers (UALD), were protesting against an increase in commission levels from Addison Lee and changes to terms and conditions for drivers.

Gary Pearce, GMB regional officer, said "Addison Lee has been caught red handed, unfairly targeting and punishing private hire drivers simply for seeking to protect their rights at work.

"By victimising those who simply want a fair deal and to prevent exploitation, the company is seeking to bully its remaining workers into silence.

"Addison Lee’s attitude towards these drivers is completely unacceptable. This naked attempt at union busting has no place in the modern world of work."

Chris Benson, head of employment at Leigh Day, said: "These three men were trained by Addison Lee, they were required to work on standard terms which were dictated by Addison Lee and had to work to detailed practices, policies and procedures imposed by Addison Lee. They cannot then be sacked without notice or reason.

"Employers cannot be allowed to have all the financial benefits of employees and none of the responsibilities to these people’s livelihoods.

"The attempt to reframe normal employment as part of the gig economy is a serious threat to the financial security of thousands of hard working people and will end up costing the taxpayer huge sums whilst companies take all the profit."

source: http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/car-ind ... sal-claims

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

It's amazing how many companies desperately try and get rid of "trouble makers" but with a union behind them it almost always ends in court or a tribunal

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I think Addison Lee are a better target, if that's the right wording, than Uber in respect of the 'self employed' issue, which no doubt will be part of this case.

I hope the GMB win.

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IDFIMH

Were these drivers actually employed by Addylee or "self-employed" by them? that will male for a very interesting case at Tribunal or in court.

I don't know but as Delboy would say, they are self unemployed now.

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Grandad,

If tribunal rules they are employed AL investors will be thinking what have I done

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

That, for many of us, will be the interesting matter that will have to be decided at the beginning.

I doubt the GMB would have gone down this route, against AL, if they weren't confident of getting past that hurdle.

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IDFIMH

bleedin Hell how many times do i have to tell you PILLOCKS they are "workers under the direction of the company" which gives them considerable employment rights although their not "employed"

This of course could have been done many years ago sadly NO Drivers had the bottle to do it

Well done the GMB Professional Drivers Branch for pursuing this issue and getting the legal coverage required

Gary Pearce good officer and a rabid Arsenal fan

The GMBPDB will win this case

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