TSSA Conference rejects Manuel Cortes and Luke Chester dismissal appeals

Delegates at TSSA annual conference have rejected appeals from former General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, and former Interim Organising Director, Luke Chester, after they were both dismissed for gross misconduct. 

Delegates heard from Cortes and Chester by video link during a closed session of the gathering in Cork. Baroness Kennedy KC, who carried out an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying within TSSA, also addressed delegates remotely before they voted. 

The decision means that conference has upheld the dismissals of Cortes and Chester. Conference is the sovereign body of the union. 

They were both able to appeal to TSSA conference as members of the union, in accordance with the rulebook. They had previously appealed at an internal hearing (in front of a panel comprising a senior manager, and an independent HR consultant) – which upheld the dismissals. 

Commenting, TSSA Interim President, Marios Alexandrou, said: “Today our union has taken significant steps forward in our determination to fully implement the findings of both the Kennedy and Conley reports. 

“However, we should not forget the seriousness of the charges, the effect on individuals and the damage caused to the reputation of this union by former leaders. 

“The weight of evidence of the Kennedy Inquiry was very significant, but importantly we have worked at every stage to make sure natural justice was done.”  

*Cortes and Chester were dismissed from the union by the Executive Committee on 22nd February this year. 

*Cortes was summarily dismissed from TSSA for gross misconduct in accordance with the Rule 9.1(f) of the Association’ Rule Book. The reasons for his dismissal were: 

1) Serious incidences of gross misconduct which have been highlighted in Baroness Kennedy KC’s report; 

2) Causing the Association reputational damage and bringing the organisation into serious disrepute. 

*Chester was summarily dismissed from TSSA for gross misconduct in accordance with the Rule 9.1(f) of the Association’ Rule Book. The reasons for his dismissal were: 

1) Serious incidences of gross misconduct which have been highlighted in Baroness Kennedy KC’s report; 

2) Causing the Association reputational damage and bringing the organisation into serious disrepute. 

*Published on 8th February 2023 the Kennedy report concluded there had been “sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying” within the TSSA and that the “leadership and culture has enabled these behaviours through wilful blindness, power-hoarding and poor practices”. 

*The Conley report was received by the TSSA EC in February 2023 and swiftly published in full and shared with TSSA staff and branches.