UNISON has been asked to publish an apology agreed by Jon Rogers. The apology arises from written comments that Mr Rogers has made about UNISON’s general secretary, Dave Prentis, in connection with the recent general secretary election.
Given the scope for disquiet amongst members and the potential damage to the union’s reputation caused by the widespread publication of these comments, it is important to inform members of Mr Rogers’ apology.
Mr Rogers has agreed to the publication of this apology, the text of which is reproduced below:
“In December of last year, prior to the conclusion of the election for the post of general secretary of UNISON, I made various comments about Dave Prentis, general secretary of UNISON, who has now been re-elected for a further term, on social media and in other forums.
“I accept fully that Mr Prentis has ‘clean hands’ in relation to the meeting of UNISON staff in the Greater London region which took place on 21 October 2015. I wish to make clear that I have no grounds to believe that Mr Prentis sanctioned or condoned any misuse of UNISON staff resources at that meeting.
“Further, I also wish to make clear that Mr Prentis has done nothing, to my knowledge, that warrants his disqualification as a candidate or gives grounds for the election to be re-run.
“By making this statement, I apologise unreservedly to Mr Prentis for the concern and distress I have caused him and for any negative impact my words may have had upon his or UNISON’s reputation.
“I am happy to confirm that I have provided Mr Prentis with undertakings which he has accepted that I shall make no statements which are at variance with this apology.”