GCHQ trade union ban

In 1981, a series of strikes in Whitehall over pay led to industrial action at Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) intelligence 'listening centre' network based in Cheltenham.

Following the expression of concern by US spymasters, trade unionism was banned at GCHQ (which monitors radio communications around the world as a part of an Anglo-American intelligence agreement).

[1] On 25 January 1984, during the Second Thatcher ministry, Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe announced in the House of Commons that trade unionism was no longer acceptable at GCHQ.

Appeal to the International Labour Organization (ILO) resulted in a decision that government's actions were in violation of Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention.

[5] As part of the debate on the Queen's Speech for the government's commitment to "open and fair relations" in the workplace, Foreign Secretary Robin Cook announced the end of the trade union ban.

[11] The general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, John Monks, said: "The ban has always been a blot on Britain's reputation for democracy and human rights.

Civil and Public Services Association general secretary Barry Reamsbottom said: "We have waited 13 long years for this dark stain on our democratic society to be removed.

"[11] TUC former general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Of all the 1980s government attacks on trade unions, the GCHQ ban was the most spiteful".

"[1] In February 2000, the government announced the sacked GCHQ employees shared a payout[16] of up to £550,000 after tax[18] to compensate for lost earnings and pension rights.

Public and Commercial Services union joint general secretary Barry Reamsbottom said: "We are delighted that this has finally been settled and that the fourteen members will have suffered no long term financial loss for sticking by their principles.