Unison believes that it is in the interests of Doncaster council to get Jim out of the way whilst they get on with the job of cutting pay, jobs and services in Doncaster. Unison’s regional organiser, Robin Symons said “We view this as an attack on trade unionism. We are of the view this is victimisation of a trade union activist and I am quite sure our members are going to be angered by this. I think everyone who has worked for Doncaster council has in some way benefited from Jim’s representation and negotiating skills. I would not be surprised if they wanted to show their support."

Paul Holmes  Kirklees Branch Secretary who knows only too well  what it means to be suspended because of  union activity said “This not only an attack on Jim but an attack on the trade union movement in Doncaster and must be resisted” 

At  the same time as Jim Board was suspended, the  newly elected Mayor, Peter Davies was holding a press conference announcing his support for and promotion of a “new union” - The Workers of England Union, linked to his own party, The English Democrats. In a statement to the Daily Mail of 10/8/09 he claimed that he will be ‘looking to see if Doncaster council bans the use of specific words by staff.’ Davies has argued against so called political correctness and will get rid of ‘non jobs’ in Doncaster.  He has also proudly boasted that he will axe those services he thinks are unnecessary such as the translation services leading to the potential isolation and discrimination of people who do not have English as a first language. Unison believes that this attack on the Equalities agenda will not only increase unemployment in Doncaster but increase racism, sexism, homophobia and social division. The suspension of Jim Board would make that process a lot easier for Davies.

Send condemnations of the suspension to the chief Executives of Doncaster Council, Paul Hart – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and the Mayor at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also ring the Mayor's office on 01302 862225

  (UPDATE: Jim has now been reinstated but the position of full-time union rep at the council is still under attack from the Mayor and his cronies - more soon)

Defend Jim Board – Defend Doncaster Unison – Defend DMBC workers

More photos from the demo: