Complaint: Victimisation of Union Representatives by ITF Management

We submitted a formal complaint today regarding the disproportionate targeting of union representatives for staff cuts, in accordance with our Collective Bargaining Agreement and internal Supporting Change policy.

A brief summary of our complaint follows:

Our review of ITF management’s proposed changes indicates that 100% of current or former union representatives in scope of the restructure have been placed at risk of redundancy. 

A total of 15 current or former union representatives who are members of the bargaining unit have been put at genuine risk of redundancy.

This is either by the elimination of their roles from the proposed new structure or requirement to compete for a job within a reduced pool of amalgamated roles, in some cases with a downgraded rate of pay. 

• 25% – Announced cut to London staff in 2025
• 0% – Impact on number of management roles 
• 100% – Number of current or former union reps put at genuine risk of redundancy

Ordinary members of the union who have been especially vocal – for example by posing challenging questions to leadership during recent all-staff meetings – have also been put at genuine risk of redundancy. 

Further, in June 2025 three members of the union were threatened with the possibility of disciplinary action for informing colleagues from other global unions that the uncertainty created by the current restructuring process leaves them unable to commit to plans further into the future.

We have raised this specific concern internally with ITF management on at least three occasions, receiving no meaningful response or reassurances.

Putting union reps at risk of redundancy undermines our ability to advocate and negotiate on behalf of the members we represent.

Under Section 146 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, workers are protected from detrimental treatment by their employer for participating in a union.

This applies to all UK employers, but it is especially important for the ITF. As a global union federation, the ITF must make every effort to faithfully adhere to this principle and leave no doubt that this foundational value will be fully respected.