REPRESENTATIVES OF tube union RMT on the London Transport pension fund have called for disinvestment from Semperian PPP after it emerged that one of their subcontractors on the Great Western Hospital PFI contract in Swindon, Carillion, has been involved in a long-running dispute with sister union GMB over racial abuse, bullying and extortion.

As a result of the issue being raised at the fund’s trustees meeting by RMT Assistant General Secretary Pat Sikorski on Tuesday 10th July, the union has been promised a full investigation into the activities of Semperian and its sub-contractors Carillion at the GWH.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“We welcome the development of a full investigation by the London Transport Pension Fund into Semperian and its contractors and the company should be fully aware that if the activities reported to us by the GMB at the Great Western Hospital continue then we will press the case for disinvestment.

“This trade union knows all about the likes of PPP/PFI outfits like Semperian and their sub-contractors Carillion.

“However, when we were approached by our sister union GMB even we were shocked at the catalogue of abusive and bullying behaviour by Carillion that has led to the dispute at the Great Western Hospital involving cleaners, catering workers and other ancillary staff.

“RMT is clear that a company with this kind of track record has no place in the pensions portfolio of our members and that is the point that we have made, and will continue to make, at meetings of the London Transport Pension Fund.”