The island’s Trades Council says recent tribunal judgements highlight the urgent need for change.
Tribunal chair Douglas Stewart has twice recently criticised the Attorney Generals Chambers for making claims that complaints brought to the tribunal are vexatious.
Both recent cases have involved Manx Care, with Mr Stewart saying he finds it inappropriate for the AG’s Chambers to “allege vexatious, abusive, disruptive and otherwise unreasonable conduct except where the complainant’s pleaded case falls blatantly outside what should properly be pleaded”.
Protected
In a post on Facebook, the Trades Council said: “Whistleblowers and aggrieved employees must be protected, not punished.
“Attempts to label their claims as “vexatious” or to delay grievances until they time out are unacceptable and risk undermining public trust.
“We note the Tribunal Chair’s criticism of the Attorney General’s Department. Such warnings highlight the urgent need for change.
“Unions exist to defend workers against intimidation and unfair tactics. We stand with those who speak up in the public interest and we will continue to press government to follow its own safeguarding policies and to act transparently.
“This is not only about individual cases – it is about the Isle of Man’s reputation as a fair place to live and work. The Chief Minister must ensure that concerns are addressed properly, not swept under the carpet.”
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