TRADE unions have joined together to condemn the actions of a Labour Lord Provost and upcoming General Election candidate.
A statement released by the West Dunbartonshire joint trade unions – which is made up of representatives from Unison, Unite, GMB and EIS – on Wednesday evening criticised Lord Provost Douglas McAllister over his refusal to make reasonable adjustments for a councillor who had disclosed a disability.
It read: “West Dunbartonshire Joint Trade Unions are shocked and outraged by a decision taken in the chamber by the Lord Provost and backed by the Legal Officer.
“A local councillor disclosed a disability and asked for a reasonable adjustment for time to read the papers.
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“Ultimately this request for an adjournment to allow elected members time to read the documentation was refused, despite another Councillor advising that this could be viewed as a breach of the equalities act.
“Our position is that legislation that is in place with a view to supporting people to participate in all aspects of our society takes precedence and should be adhered to.
“This sets a dangerous precedent here in West Dunbartonshire.
“Our Branches send a strong message to all, we will not tolerate this practice in West Dunbartonshire.”
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McAllister is set to run for the West Dunbartonshire seat in the House of Commons at the upcoming General Election.
However, he will have to overturn a more than 9000-vote majority achieved by SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes in 2019.
Douglas McAllister and West Dunbartonshire Council have been contacted for comment.
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