Trade Union Council calls for chief minister to withdraw comments 

Comments 'bring IoM into disrepute'

The Isle of Man Trade Union Council has called on the chief minister to withdraw recent comments he made regarding teaching unions.

Alfred Cannan appeared live on Manx Radio, in December, discussing strike action by the NASUWT and describing it as 'intolerable'.

The Trade Union Council says his comments contravene laws protecting the right to organise and 'bring the Isle of Man into disrepute both domestically and internationally.'

In a letter addressed to Tynwald members Debbie Halsall, the president of the organisation, said: "It is inappropriate for the chief minister to appear to condone and agree with derogatory and inflammatory comments on a live radio show about a serving public servant.

"A representative of any recognised trade union is the facilitated voice of the members. As stated in the Code of Practice on the Recognition of Trade Unions no individual should suffer detriment as a result of their role."

Last year Mr Cannan committed to reforming the culture within government following the fallout from the Dr Rosalind Ranson tribunal - the council says these recent comments 'seriously undermine the integrity of those statements.'

Manx Radio has contacted government for comment.

Members of the NASUWT are due to take further strike action on Wednesday and Thursday this week.