UNIA Union in Crisis (Swiss Press Text 2017, by Dinu Gautier) - Swiss Press Award
WOZ – Die Wochenzeitung
Dinu Gautier
Following the unanticipated resignation of the leader of the Zurich-Schaffhausen branch of the union UNIA, Roman Burger, the proverbial hits the fan: the well-known unionist became compromised over text-messages which an employee perceived as sexual harassment. Now UNIA people are spilling the beans: Burger was apparently protected by the management, over time all power had fallen to him. The Zurich UNIA section is also characterized as a sectarian community with controversial work methods, high peer pressure and a culture of sexism in the workplace. An external investigation only partially exonerates Burger, yet he does not receive so much as a warning. It is only when the internal communication is leaked to the media, that Burger relinquishes his office. And the country’s largest trade union is left to explain why it has failed to enforce the zero tolerance policy towards sexual harassment within its organisation, whilst vehemently calling for it externally.
Interview with Dinu Gautier
