Don’t fall for blacklisting payouts scam

Don’t fall for blacklisting payouts scam

Blacklisted workers are being told to steer clear of a compensation scheme set up by construction firms but not agreed with unions. Unions Unite and UCATT say the scheme is too restricted, too mean and won’t deliver justice. UCATT said its members should “have nothing to do” with the “counterfeit” Construction Workers Compensation Scheme (TCWCS) set up by eight major construction firms. And Unite urged blacklisted workers to use its special blacklisting ‘hotline’ instead. It said it is determined to ensure any scheme which is agreed by the unions, means a job for blacklisted workers and upskilling where necessary. Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said “victims of blacklisting deserve the best legal support rather than a scheme designed by employers to limit their exposure, rather than properly compensate the victims.” She added: “Unite is also determined to hold out for the union’s red line in any compensation scheme, which must mean a job for blacklisted workers and upskilling if relevant. Unite believes this is the only true litmus test as compensation is not just about money but dignity, justice and the human right to work.” UCATT general secretary Steve Murphy accused the companies of “arrogance”, adding they “are intent on ignoring the will of parliament and launching a counterfeit compensation scheme. They are just interested in their own PR. Their scheme will in no way recompense blacklisted workers who had their lives and the lives of their families destroyed by these companies.” He added: “This scheme is flawed in so many places. Blacklisted workers should have nothing to do with it as it will in no way provide justice for them.”

• UNITE news release.
• UCATT news release.