Union 'wrongly kicked out BNP activist'

The British train drivers’ union was today facing a hefty financial penalty after an employment tribunal ruled it had unlawfully expelled a member for belonging to the British National Party.

Jay Lee, 35, from Kent, was kicked out in 2002 after the union, Aslef, discovered he was an activist with the far-right party.

Mr Lee, who has stood for the BNP in elections in his home town of Bexley, was told today he has won his case, entitling him to a minimum award of £5,000 (€7,200).

He said: “I have fought for over a year to get justice in this case and to defend my civil rights. Aslef knew they were in breach of the law when they expelled me and yet they thought they could get away with it. I have been totally vindicated and now intend to make them pay for it.”

Aslef said it will appeal against the decision, which it said was not unexpected.

Acting general secretary Keith Norman said: “The effect of the law is to force trade unions to accept into membership fascist activists.

“Freedom of association is a basic human right. The effect of this decision is to force thousands of train drivers – who detest racism and fascism – to be associated with the fascist Lee who now openly celebrates his hostility to the union and its values and proclaims his intention to claim thousands of pounds from the union.

“It is particularly perverse that the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 allows for heavy financial penalties against the union.

“There is a minimum award of £5,000 (€7,200) plus for an expelled fascist – who has suffered no financial loss – but no such minimum award to a worker suffering racial discrimination or sacking.”