Dafydd has served North Wales Fire & Rescue for over 20 years. As a Fire Brigades Union (FBU) rep, he raised concerns on behalf of colleagues about a senior officer’s relative being appointed to a post without open competition.
What followed was extraordinary.
Dafydd was summoned to meetings, spoken to in an aggressive manner, and warned he’d face formal disciplinary action. He later lodged a formal complaint about the way he had been treated, and an independent investigation upheld several of his allegations. It found there was a prima facie case of bullying, harassment, and discrimination linked to his union activity. However, these findings were kept from him at the time, and no disciplinary action followed – indeed, the investigation report only came to light later, after media and political pressure forced it into the public domain.
Meanwhile, legal advice obtained by the FBU suggested there was no basis for a tribunal claim. Relying on that advice, Dafydd did not immediately pursue legal action. When he later secured a second opinion that supported his case, the deadline for submitting his claim had already passed. The Employment Tribunal ruled the case was out of time, not because it lacked merit, but purely on procedural grounds.
In a highly unusual move, North Wales Fire & Rescue has obtained a £7,500 costs order against Dafydd. Some might even call it vindictive, given that costs are rarely awarded in tribunal cases, especially where the underlying complaint was supported by an independent report.
The consequences for Dafydd are severe, with North Wales Fire & Rescue demanding he pay £1,000 a month. He now faces serious financial hardship, including the possibility of enforcement action.
With the FSU’s support, he’s launched a crowdfunder to help cover the costs order, protect himself from enforcement action, and – if enough people donate – seek legal advice on next steps.
This case matters beyond Dafydd. When union reps are left to face the consequences alone, it sends a chilling message to any dues-paying member thinking of raising legitimate concerns. Supporting this crowdfunder is one way to help uphold the principle that no worker should be punished for doing the right thing.
If you’re able to help, you can donate by clicking the button below.
