UNISON Official Kebba Manneh Loses Race Claim Against NHS Union in Cwmbran

A UNISON official in Wales lost his race discrimination case. The tribunal found no proof of bias when his paid union time was stopped.
By Newsroom | Employment Law, Unions |

Discrimination Claims Unsubstantiated

A senior official within the UNISON union and NHS, Kebba Manneh, has seen his race discrimination claims against both his employer, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, and his own union dismissed by employment tribunals. Manneh, who also holds positions as a senior magistrate and chair of Cwmbran Community Council, alleged that the withdrawal of his allocated "facility time" – paid leave from NHS duties for union work – constituted racial bias, asserting his role had been transferred to a white colleague.

The central factual finding from the tribunal highlighted a profound disconnect between Manneh's paid time off and his documented union activities. Employment Judge R Evans determined that the 'documentary evidence was utterly unambiguous' regarding Manneh's work during this period. Despite being requested on three separate occasions, Manneh apparently failed to present any supporting evidence for his claims.

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Details of Employment Judge's Findings

Further complicating Manneh's case, the judge indicated that Manneh himself had significantly contributed to the delays in his grievance investigation, a process he had attributed to discriminatory practices. Manneh, who possesses a master's degree in employment relations from Keele University, was reportedly unable to comment on the tribunal's outcome or his legal expenses from his residence in Cwmbran, South Wales.

Broader Implications for Union Activities

This development occurs against a backdrop of shifting dynamics in union representation within public service. In a separate instance, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced the cessation of collective bargaining for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security officers. The agency stated this move aims to "remove bureaucratic hurdles," "strengthen workforce agility," and foster innovation.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing TSA officers, countered this decision, emphasizing that union membership for federal employees is voluntary. Reports from the AFGE indicate that union representatives for TSA officers account for less than half a percent of all work hours at the agency, a detail highlighted by the DHS in their announcement concerning airports with fewer than 200 TSA officers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Kebba Manneh's race discrimination claim get dismissed?
The employment tribunal found no evidence to support his claim that stopping his paid union time was based on race. The judge said his own actions caused delays.
Q: What was the main reason the tribunal dismissed the case?
The tribunal found that the evidence about Kebba Manneh's work during his paid union time was not clear. He did not provide proof for his claims when asked.
Q: What is 'facility time' for union workers like Kebba Manneh?
Facility time is paid time off from regular NHS work for employees to do union duties. The tribunal looked at how much time Manneh was given and how he used it.
Q: Does this case affect other union activities in the UK or US?
The article mentions the US Department of Homeland Security is stopping collective bargaining for TSA officers to improve efficiency. This shows changes happening in how unions and employers work together in different places.
Q: Where is Kebba Manneh based?
Kebba Manneh is based in Cwmbran, South Wales, and works for the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.